Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards accelerating relief, rehabilitation and restoration efforts in cyclone-hit southern Odisha, the state government has deputed four IAS officers to three worst-affected districts – Gajapati, Ganjam and Kandhamal – to strengthen disaster response and ensure the speedy delivery of assistance to affected people.
According to an official order issued by the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), the officers have been deployed with immediate effect under the provisions of the Odisha Relief Code and the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to assist the respective district administrations in carrying out urgent relief and restoration operations.
Announcing the decision, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said Aji Kumar and Tejaswani Behera had been assigned to Ganjam, while Pawan Kumar and Shiv Malviya would oversee relief operations in Gajapati and Kandhamal, respectively.
The four officers have been vested with the powers of Additional Special Relief Commissioners (SRCs), the minister said.
The deputed officers will report to the respective district collectors and function under their overall supervision. They will coordinate field-level relief measures, assess immediate requirements, facilitate the distribution of essential supplies and oversee the restoration of critical services as assigned by the concerned collectors.
During their deployment, the officers will function as Additional Relief Commissioners and remain in their respective districts until the completion of the responsibilities entrusted to them.
Cyclone Arnab, accompanied by heavy rainfall, has caused extensive damage across southern Odisha, with Gajapati, Ganjam and Kandhamal emerging as the worst-affected districts.
Minister Pujari further said the officers would also monitor the implementation of financial assistance packages announced by Chief Minister for people affected by the cyclone, ensuring that relief benefits reach eligible beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, a central team that arrived in Bhubaneswar Monday to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab proceeded to Gajapati district Tuesday for an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.
The team is scheduled to visit Ganjam district Wednesday. It will also hold discussions with the State Chief Secretary and other senior officials before concluding its visit.
