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Odisha CM Announces Rs 4 Lakh Aid for Kin of Hoarding Collapse Victims

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of two men killed when a large advertising hoarding collapsed in Bhubaneswar. The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday evening after intense winds from a Nor'wester struck the city. Angered by the tragedy, family members of the deceased blocked the National Highway in protest, disrupting traffic until authorities intervened. Following discussions and assurances of support from police and local administration, the protest was lifted and normal traffic restored.

Key Points: Odisha Hoarding Collapse: CM Announces Rs 4 Lakh Ex Gratia

  • Rs 4 lakh ex gratia announced
  • Two killed in hoarding collapse
  • Sudden Nor'wester caused incident
  • Protest blocked National Highway
  • Authorities assured support to families
2 min read

Odisha CM announces Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for kin of hoarding collapse victims

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announces Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for families of two killed in a Bhubaneswar hoarding collapse after a Nor'wester.

"The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths - Chief Minister's Office"

Bhubaneswar, Feb 25

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of two persons who died after an advertising hoarding collapsed on them in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday evening.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of Tuna Gouda and Sachidananda Pradhan, who were killed after a hoarding collapsed on them in the Aiginia area of the city.

The Chief Minister also announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the families of the deceased.

As per reports, a Nor'wester brought a sudden change in weather conditions, accompanied by intense winds and heavy rainfall, which caused widespread disruption in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday evening.

Due to strong winds, a large advertising hoarding installed near the Aiginia Durga Mandap collapsed suddenly, killing two persons and damaging several nearby shops.

Local residents present at the spot rescued the victims trapped under the hoarding and rushed them to Capital Hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.

On being informed, police and fire services personnel reached the spot and cleared the road that had been blocked due to the collapsed hoarding.

Meanwhile, family members and relatives of the deceased staged a protest on Wednesday by blocking the National Highway at Aiginia, expressing anger over the incident and demanding justice.

The protest disrupted normal traffic movement and caused inconvenience to commuters travelling along the busy route.

The blockade was later lifted after senior police officials and local administration representatives reached the spot and held discussions with the aggrieved families.

The authorities assured the families of all necessary assistance and administrative support.

Following these assurances, the protesting families agreed to withdraw the blockade, restoring normal traffic movement in the area.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the compensation is announced promptly, which is good, the real issue is negligence. Who gave permission for this hoarding? Were the structural checks done? Every year during Nor'westers we see such incidents. Accountability is more important than relief after the tragedy.
A
Arjun K
The protest by the families is completely understandable. They lost their breadwinners in a preventable accident. The administration's assurance is fine, but they need to follow through with concrete action against the advertising agency and the civic body officials responsible.
S
Sarah B
It's heartbreaking to read. The local residents who rushed to help are the real heroes. The CM's relief fund is crucial, but I hope the kin also get sustained support like pension or job opportunities, not just a one-time payment. The system needs to be more compassionate.
V
Vikram M
This is a wake-up call for Bhubaneswar and every Indian city. These giant hoardings are death traps if not installed properly. Municipal corporations must conduct immediate drives to identify and remove illegal or unsafe structures before the monsoon hits in full force.
K
Karthik V
Rs 4 lakhs might seem like a lot, but with today's costs, it won't last a family very long. The government should also help with children's education and medical expenses. On a different note, blocking the NH, while driven by grief, causes immense problems for others. A difficult situation all around.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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