BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday once again praised the courage demonstrated by the people of Odisha and efficient management of cyclone Amphan by the State Government in the midst of the battle against coronavirus pandemic.
In his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address to the nation, the Prime Minister said, “The courage and bravery with which the people of Odisha and West Bengal faced the ordeal is commendable.”In this hour of crisis, the country stands in unison with the people of these two states in every manner, he said.
The Prime Minister who visited the State on May 22, two days after the cyclone, said, “On one hand we are busy combating the corona pandemic while on the other, we were confronted with natural calamity in certain parts of Eastern India. I have seen the havoc wreaked by Super Cyclone Amphan in Odisha and West Bengal. Many houses were razed by the storm. Farmers also suffered heavy losses. Their courage inspires the people of India. I am standing in every effort with the people.”
During his visit to the State, the Prime Minister had showered praise on the State Government for ensuring zero casualty. He even said that the good work of Odisha should be well documented and the State’s model of fighting a natural calamity at the time of a pandemic will be a case study for other states.
The State preparedness for cyclone Amphan and management of the post-disaster situation found special mention in the Prime Minister’s letter to the people of the country on Saturday on completion of one year in his second term.
The Prime Minister also raised a red flag over the locust invasion in several parts of the country. While the Eastern India is faced with a cyclone calamity, many parts of the country have been affected by locust attacks.
“These attacks again remind us of the great damage this small creature can inflict. The locust attack lasts for several days and affects a large area. Be it at the level of the Government of India, State Government, Agriculture department or ddministration, all are involved using modern techniques to not only help the farmers but also lessen the loss accruing due to this crisis, he said.
As the impending danger looms large on Odisha too, the PM said due attention is being paid to new inventions to deal with the menace.
“I am sure that together not only will we be able to battle out this crisis that is looming on our agricultural sector, but also manage to salvage our crops,” he said.