The Odisha state government has sanctioned ₹482.42 crore to the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department to fast-track restoration and repair work across six districts hit hard by Cyclone ‘Arnab’ and subsequent torrential rain and flooding.
The funds, released from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), will go toward repairing damaged public infrastructure and restoring basic utilities.
District-Wise Fund Allocation
A total of six districts sustained severe damage during the cyclone and heavy rainfall, with Ganjam taking the brunt of the destruction.
| District | Sanctioned Amount |
|---|---|
| Ganjam | ₹306.54 Crore |
| Gajapati | ₹109.97 Crore |
| Kandhamal | ₹42.57 Crore |
| Nuapada | ₹15.08 Crore |
| Nabarangpur | ₹7.78 Crore |
| Rayagada | ₹97.60 Lakh |
Widespread Damage to Rural Infrastructure
The disaster caused extensive damage across affected regions. The allocated relief fund will target the restoration of:
- School buildings, Anganwadi centers, and community halls
- Panchayat offices and Gram Panchayat/Block-level roads
- Bridges and culverts
- Health sub-centers
- Rural drinking water supply projects and tube wells
The state administration expressed confidence that this financial assistance will restore essential public amenities—particularly safe drinking water supply and local transport networks—at the earliest.
