Balasore, Sept 27 (Odisha.in) Orissa revenue minister Manmohan Samal has instructed the collectors of all the coastal districts to demolish the shrimp farms dotting across the coast line and set up near river beds.
“I have ordered to demolish the shrimp farms as they block easy passage of floodwaters. As it is full-moon period the floodwaters may not be easily discharged. So the farms need to be demolished,” Samal told odisha.in here.
Samal was here to visit all the flood-hit areas of Balasore district which has witnessed fourth flash floods within last two months and review the flood situation.
Talking to the reports on Tuesday evening the minister said despite the step motherly attitude of the Centre towards the State, the state government is taking all possible measures to tackle the series of floods.
“Collectors have been asked to distribute relief materials in a war footing and arrange boats to expedite relief distribution. Rescue operation is on full swing in all the flood-hit areas,” he said.
Venting ire on the Center the minister said that the UPA government has been neglecting the State even though it is reeling under severe floods time and again.
“Last year we had demanded Rs 2382 crore but not a single rupee it has given us. Still we spent Rs 585 crore from our budget. This time same is the situation,” Samal informed.
The revenue minister later announced a subsidy package for the farmers of the State. “The farmers whose have irrigated land would be given Rs 4,000 per acre as subsidy while the farmers having non-irrigated lands would get Rs 2,000 per acre. Besides, seeds, fertilizers and medicines will be given at 50 percent subsidy rate,” he told.
Earlier on the day, the minister visited deluge-hit areas in Soro, Simulia, Bahanaga, Nilagiri and Khaira blocks of the district. He assured to release the ex-gratia amount and house-damage compensation within next 15 days.
During his visit irate villagers of Chittal in Soro block allegedly manhandled Balasore Zilla Parishad President Girish Dash demanding boats for rescue operations and relief materials.
Odisha.in