Odisha govt suspends four officials for negligence during Cyclone Dana

Bhubaneswar, Oct 26: Four officials from the Odisha government have been suspended due to negligence in their duties and mistreatment of citizens during Cyclone Dana. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced the suspensions on Saturday, specifying that three of the officials were Panchayat Executive Officers (PEOs) and one was a Revenue Inspector (RI). "They were suspended for failing to fulfill their responsibilities during Cyclone Dana, and their treatment of the public was unacceptable," he stated to reporters.

Additionally, the government has requested reports from district Collectors concerning other employees who may have breached regulations during the crisis, with an investigation currently in progress.

Minister Pujari emphasized that officials who performed their duties diligently during the emergency would be recognized, while those who neglected their responsibilities would face consequences. He also highlighted that the government's priority is now on rehabilitating affected individuals, with a thorough assessment of cyclone damage to be conducted. Preliminary evaluations indicate significant damage to homes and agricultural land across 13 districts, with a comprehensive damage assessment expected to be completed within a week.