Cyclone ‘Titli’ deaths: Odisha CM hikes ex-gratia to Rs 10 lakh

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today increased the ex-gratia for the families of those who died in cyclonic storm ‘Titli’ from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 10 lakh each. Patnaik also directed officials to provide pucca houses to all those who have lost their homes in the cyclone under the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana.

The move came during the CM’s visit to cyclone-hit Ganjam and Gajapati districts today. While visiting Barghara village under Rayagada block of Gajapati district, where a landslide claimed lives of at least 15 persons, Patnaik announced that all the 76 families residing on the hill will be identified and rehabilitated at areas near the hill.

The families will be provided with pucca houses under the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana on a land of 4 decimals. Relief work in the locality will continue till their rehabilitation, official sources said.

Patnaik also distributed ‘patta’ to the beneficiaries and said that the State Government will take care of children who lost their parents in the mishap. The government will provide them education and bear other expenses.

Notably, the incident occurred in Barghara village when the cave, in which the victims had taken shelter, collapsed following incessant rain triggered by cyclone ‘Titli’ on October 11.