Industry associations in Odisha demand help from government, banks
Updated: Oct 16, 2013 12:49:34pm
Bhubaneshwar, Oct 16 (KNN) Washing away of basic infrastructure by the severe cyclone has led to a complete collapse of businesses in some of the districts hit by the calamity. These include Gopalpur, Puri and Cuttack where the small businesses were gearing up for the festive sales, seeking to en-cash on Dussehra and Diwali.
The most immediate crisis being faced by the small industries here is power, connectivity, infrastructure and employment.
“There are no activities taking place in the industries especially the small units here. The power is still not restored and the infrastructure is completely damaged,” said Chairman of Odisha Industries Federation, S K Sahu.
“All of them depend on the tourist season to earn money, they are facing complete loss,” Sahu added.
The timely warning given by the MET department and effective measures taken by the administration in Odisha has saved the lives of lakhs of people here, but the livelihoods of lakhs of people are lost.
Hence, industry associations are planning to meet the Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner of MSME to discuss issues and appeal for help to the small units.
The associations are demanding immediate restoration of power so that production begins and further loss is avoided.
The associations want the banks not to count this month for interests and loan instalments.
“Government should give financial help to small entrepreneurs to rebuild infrastructure as generally cyclone is not covered under insurance,” Sahu added.
Tourism being the worst hit sector in the state is facing huge loss.
“The hotels on the coastal sides are completely submerged in the flood. The water has filled the second-third floor of the rooms and the sand is filled upto 7 feet height,’ Sahu added after he visited the hotels in Puri yesterday.
Almost all the hotels had full bookings which are all cancelled and no activities are taking place at all.
The government said that the standing crop of over 6,25,408 hectare area has been destroyed in the state and 3,33,070 houses have been damaged.
According to a preliminary assessment, the power sector is facing a loss of Rs 900 crore from severe damage of the infrastructure. (KNN/SD)
The most immediate crisis being faced by the small industries here is power, connectivity, infrastructure and employment.
“There are no activities taking place in the industries especially the small units here. The power is still not restored and the infrastructure is completely damaged,” said Chairman of Odisha Industries Federation, S K Sahu.
“All of them depend on the tourist season to earn money, they are facing complete loss,” Sahu added.
The timely warning given by the MET department and effective measures taken by the administration in Odisha has saved the lives of lakhs of people here, but the livelihoods of lakhs of people are lost.
Hence, industry associations are planning to meet the Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner of MSME to discuss issues and appeal for help to the small units.
The associations are demanding immediate restoration of power so that production begins and further loss is avoided.
The associations want the banks not to count this month for interests and loan instalments.
“Government should give financial help to small entrepreneurs to rebuild infrastructure as generally cyclone is not covered under insurance,” Sahu added.
Tourism being the worst hit sector in the state is facing huge loss.
“The hotels on the coastal sides are completely submerged in the flood. The water has filled the second-third floor of the rooms and the sand is filled upto 7 feet height,’ Sahu added after he visited the hotels in Puri yesterday.
Almost all the hotels had full bookings which are all cancelled and no activities are taking place at all.
The government said that the standing crop of over 6,25,408 hectare area has been destroyed in the state and 3,33,070 houses have been damaged.
According to a preliminary assessment, the power sector is facing a loss of Rs 900 crore from severe damage of the infrastructure. (KNN/SD)
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