Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has deputed four IAS officers to three worst-affected districts—Gajapati, Ganjam and Kandhamal—to accelerate relief, rehabilitation and restoration work following Cyclone Arnab. The move aims to strengthen disaster response, improve coordination with district administrations and ensure the timely delivery of assistance to people affected by the cyclone.
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. They will assist the respective district administrations in carrying out urgent relief and restoration operations.
Four IAS Officers Assigned to Three Affected Districts
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced the deployment and shared the district-wise allocation of the officers.
The four IAS officers have been assigned as follows:
- Aji Kumar: Ganjam
- Tejaswani Behera: Ganjam
- Pawan Kumar: Gajapati
- Shiv Malviya: Kandhamal
The minister said the four officers have been vested with the powers of Additional Special Relief Commissioners (SRCs) to strengthen relief operations in the affected districts.
Officers to Coordinate Relief and Restoration Work
The deputed officers will report to their respective district collectors and function under their overall supervision. Their responsibilities will include coordinating field-level relief measures, assessing immediate requirements, facilitating the distribution of essential supplies and overseeing 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 they complete the responsibilities entrusted to them.
Cyclone Arnab Causes Extensive Damage in Southern Odisha
Cyclone Arnab, accompanied by heavy rainfall, has caused extensive damage across southern Odisha. Gajapati, Ganjam and Kandhamal have emerged as the worst-affected districts.
The deployment of senior administrative officers is aimed at strengthening ground-level monitoring and ensuring that relief and restoration measures are carried out efficiently.
Minister Suresh Pujari also said the officers would monitor the implementation of financial assistance packages announced by the Chief Minister for cyclone-affected people. They will ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the announced relief benefits.
Central Team Visits Gajapati to Assess Cyclone Damage
Meanwhile, a central team that arrived in Bhubaneswar on Monday to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab proceeded to Gajapati district on Tuesday for an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.
The team is scheduled to visit Ganjam district on Wednesday. It will also hold discussions with the State Chief Secretary and other senior officials before concluding its visit.
The assessment is expected to help evaluate the extent of cyclone-related damage and review the requirements for relief and restoration in the affected areas.
