Over 3 lakh hectares in 15 districts of Odisha drought-hit

Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 (IANS)  Over 3.15 lakh hectares in 70 blocks of 15 districts have been affected by drought in Odisha, Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty said on Tuesday.

The Minister, who took a review meeting after receiving the drought assessment report from district collectors, said that of the 15 districts, Bolangir, Bargarh, Dhenkanal, Boudh and Nuapada are most affected by crop loss.

"We have received reports of crop loss in over 3.15 lakh hectares in 1,125 gram panchayats spread in 70 blocks in 15 districts. This assessment has been made on the basis of a field survey," said Mohanty.

The Minister said the concerned departments will again meet on October 27 following which a final report will be given to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

"Subsequently, a drought assistance package for the affected districts will be announced," Mohanty added.

Bolangir is the worst affected district with as many as 14 of its blocks have being been affected, the Minister said adding that Bargarh district is second with 10 blocks while five blocks have been affected in Nuapada district.

Mohanty said the state government will declare the drought package on the basis of field survey, without waiting for the crop cutting report.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi said the state government has received drought reports from the district Collectors and is examining the reports.

"By October 30, the reports received from district collectors will be processed and finalized. The reports are being examined. As October 30 is our deadline, it'll be declared by the state government by that time," said Sethi.