Naveen Patnaik Seeks Relief for Ganjam Flood Victims, Alleges ‘Manmade Crisis’

Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to ensure immediate relief, rehabilitation and compensation for flood-hit residents of Ganjam, alleging that administrative negligence turned the disaster into a “manmade crisis”.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Patnaik alleged that despite advance IMD warnings, the Water Resources Department released dam water after heavy rainfall had begun, worsening the floods. He also questioned the lack of adequate warnings to residents before opening the dam gates.

Patnaik, who visited affected areas of Hinjili, Sheragada, Aska and Sorada on November 7, said farmers, traders and residents had suffered extensive losses to crops, homes and livelihoods. He also criticised delays in rescue and relief operations, alleging that people remained stranded without food and drinking water.

Demanding accountability and timely compensation, Patnaik said the government must adopt a coordinated approach to restore livelihoods and rehabilitate affected families. He has forwarded representations received during his visit to the Special Relief Commissioner for immediate action.

He also accused the BJP government of weakening Odisha’s community-based disaster management system by neglecting panchayat representatives and Mission Shakti. Warning of further agitation, he said the BJD would take up the people’s cause “from Palli to Delhi” if corrective action was not taken.

Meanwhile, relief and restoration work continues in flood-hit areas of southern Odisha following exceptionally heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab.