BHUBANESWAR: THE State Government on Wednesday pegged the loss caused to public infrastructure and private property by the flash floods in five southern districts at Rs 218 crore.
Basing on the preliminary damage assessment reports, the Government said, agriculture land over 23,991 hectare (ha) were damaged in the floods that gripped Rayagada, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Koraput. The crop land affected by flood included paddy nurseries over 170 ha, about 21,978 ha of paddy and 2,013 ha non-paddy land.
The report which has been submitted to Ministry of Home Affairs said that Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts suffered the most damage to agriculture.
Agriculture land over 110 ha was sand cast in Nabarangpur where the restoration cost is estimated at Rs 1.72 crore. Approximately 1.82 lakh people in 528 villages of 33 blocks were affected by the floods in Nagavali, Kalyani, Indravati, Turi, Bhaskel, Bangeri, Hati and other river systems between July 15 and 19.
The Government said, there was no human casualty caused by flood because of prompt rescue and relief measures.
The Works Department reported the loss of Rs 60.79 crore, the highest among the administrative departments. As many as 116 roads measuring 597 km were damaged while 31 breaches were reported.
Similarly, rural roads measuring 128 km have been badly damaged by the flood. As many as 71 breaches occurred in rural roads. The Rural Development Department estimated the damage at Rs 43.36 crore. The report indicated massive damage to canal, river embankments, roads, bridges, culverts, drains, water works, tubewells, lift irrigation points, electrical installations, telecommunication infrastructure and Government buildings.
Panchayati Raj Department establishments also suffered damage which was pegged at Rs 48.9 crore. As many as 5,136 private houses were damaged.
The heavy rain and flood damaged 84 primary and upper primary schools besides 38 high schools in the five districts. About 83 anganwadi centres also suffered damage. Rayagada and Kalahandi districts reported the maximum loss to school infrastructure.
Loss to soil conservation and water harvesting structures and check dams in Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Malkangiri were reported by Water Resources Department. As many as 372 lift irrigation points in Kalahandi were damaged.
Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said, the Centre has been requested to take expeditious steps for restoration of damaged railway bridges and tracks, national highways and telecom lines.
