New Delhi: Continuing the coordination efforts and restoration measures in the areas of Odisha affected by cyclone FANI, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) under the Cabinet Secretary Sh. P. K. Sinha met again today for the seventh time in succession.
As announced by Prime Minister after his aerial survey and review of relief efforts with the Odisha Government, Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a further release of Rs 1,000 Crore for assistance to the State. Earlier Rs 341 crores had been provided to Odisha as an advance to its State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Odisha informed that restoration of Power and Telecommunication infrastructure continue to remain the major priority in the Cyclone affected areas of the State. Around 50% power restoration has been reported while more works need to be done in Bhubaneswar and Puri. The NEET examination, which was postponed, will now be held on 20th May. Medicines dispatched by the Centre have been received and all measures were being taken to prevent any outbreak of diseases.
Reviewing the relief measures, Cabinet Secretary stressed that power connectivity need to be restored on priority basis as drinking water supply, telephone connectivity and banking operations need electricity. The option of deploying vehicle-mounted mobile towers, as requested by Odisha, is being explored to provide connectivity in Puri and Khurda.
More than 2,500 gang men are working in Odisha to restore power lines, substations and Steel Ministry has dispatched about 5,500 steel electric poles and another 15,000 will be supplied by 14th May. Cabinet Secretary directed that more manpower should be mobilized to restore power. He also suggested that mobile service operators need to operationalize their towers in coordination with the State Government.
Ministry of Petroleum informed that majority of petrol and diesel retail outlets are functional and sufficient stocks of diesel and other fuels are available in Odisha. Three mobile dispensers of Diesel of 6000 liters capacity each are being pressed into service.
Finance Ministry has directed Insurance companies to settle insurance claims expeditiously. The State Level Banking Committee has been asked to convene to coordinate all banking issues, including functioning of ATMs.
Railways have resumed train services on all the lines. The yard at Puri, which was extensively damaged will be restored fully by 12th May.
The Defence Ministry has moved Diesel Generators to Odisha. Four helicopters of Navy and Indian Coast Guard are engaged in relief operations. Navy and ICG are also running community kitchens for cyclone affected people.
Cabinet Secretary directed that officers of Central Ministries/ Agencies should work in close coordination with Odisha State Government and provide all required assistance expeditiously.
Chief Secretary/Addl Chief Secretary of Odisha participated in the NCMC meeting through Video Conference. Senior Officers from Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, Railways, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Power, Telecommunications, Steel, Financial Services and NDMAalso attended the meeting.
