Centre declines national disaster, grants Rs 500 cr to Orissa



Bhubaneswar, Sept 23 (PTI) Declining to declare the flood in Orissa as a national disaster as demanded by the state government, the Centre today announced a financial assistance of Rs 500 crore for relief operation and promised to provide more help, if required.
"I had discussion with the state government officials and witnessed damage from the sky. I have made a declaration that Rs 500 crore will be given to the state government to cope up with the relief and other things," Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil told reporters here after reviewing the situation.

Patil who along with Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and others made an aerial survey of the flood ravaged areas.

Patil assured further help to the state after receiving a "meticulously prepared plan." "If more money is required, we will give it after the state government gives details of the money spent," Patil said after he was handed over a memorandum seeking a financial assistance of Rs 2454.30 crore by the state government.