Baloda Bazar–Bhatapara: The district administration has provided major relief to five families who lost their loved ones due to natural disasters. Under Revenue Book Circular 6-4, financial assistance of ₹4 million (₹4 lakh) per family has been approved, amounting to a total relief package of ₹20 million.
District Collector Deepak Soni sanctioned the aid following deaths caused by drowning and snakebite in different tehsils of the district. The approved amount will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the legal heirs to ensure transparency and speedy disbursement.
Four Deaths Due to Drowning
Four of the five cases involved drowning incidents reported from rural areas:
- Dineshwar Sahu from Borsi village (Bhatapara tehsil)
- Shiv Kumar Yadu from Maldi village (Bhatapara tehsil)
- Tarachand Dhruv from Amakoni village (Suhela tehsil)
- Manoj Kumar Dhruv from Odan village (Palari tehsil)
Officials noted that inadequate safety measures near ponds, canals, and rivers in rural regions often lead to such tragic accidents, especially during daily activities like bathing, fishing, or returning from fields.
One Death Due to Snakebite
The fifth case was reported from Sunsunnia village in Lavan tehsil, where Jamuna Kevart lost her life due to snakebite. Snakebite incidents tend to rise during the monsoon and summer seasons, and delays in medical treatment in remote areas remain a serious concern.
What Is Revenue Book Circular 6-4?
Revenue Book Circular 6-4 is a government provision that offers immediate financial assistance in cases of death caused by natural disasters such as drowning, snakebite, lightning strikes, floods, and other unforeseen incidents. Under this rule, the nearest legal heir of the deceased is entitled to receive ₹4 million as ex-gratia relief, transferred directly to their bank account.
Administration Orders Prompt Action
Collector Deepak Soni has instructed all concerned drawing and disbursing officers to ensure that the sanctioned amount reaches the beneficiaries without delay. He emphasized that sensitivity and promptness are essential in such cases, as affected families are already facing emotional and financial distress.
The district administration reaffirmed that providing timely relief to disaster-hit families remains a top priority of the government.