Phailin aftermath: Jairam Ramesh seeks proposals for rebuilding rural roads

Realising the need for reconstruction of rural roads that may have been ravaged by Phailin, the Union ministry of rural development has invited proposals from the Odisha government for taking up the rebuilding work.

"I am writing to you in connection with the reconstruction that will be required in some of the districts of Odisha that have been severely affected by Phailin.

"This may well involve reconstruction of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana roads and additional assistance under Indira Awas Yojana for houses.

"After the recent Uttarakhand natural disaster, flexibility was also shown to the state to implement Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act more effectively to provide employment in the affected areas.

"We will extend the same flexibility to Odisha as well. I look forward to receiving proposals from the state administration quickly”, Union minister for rural development Jairam Ramesh wrote to chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

Phailin, categorized as a very severe cyclonic storm, struck the shores of Odisha on last Saturday at a speed of 220 km/hour, leaving a trail of devastation, especially in Ganjam district, on the southern coast.

The official death toll due to the cyclonic storm has been pegged at 21.

While nearly 12 million people have been hit by the storm, a cultivable area of 625,408 hectares has been affected.

Photograph, courtesy: Business Standard