BJD Blames Government Negligence for Flooding in Ganjam, Odisha
The BJD accuses Odishas government of negligence leading to severe flooding in Ganjam after Cyclone Arnab.
Bhubaneswar, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) intensified its criticism of the state government on November 2, attributing the severe flooding in Ganjam district to governmental negligence following heavy rainfall from Cyclone Arnab.
The party claimed that inadequate preparation by the Odisha government and the Water Resources Department led to a critical flood situation in the state. Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Gajapati districts have been particularly hard hit, leaving millions facing significant hardships.
BJD leaders expressed concern that the administration has failed to reach many affected individuals. Sujata Raut Karthikeyan, a party leader and former bureaucrat, pointed out on social media that a warning about the cyclone was issued on October 23, predicting heavy rainfall in southern Odisha from October 27 to 29. A red alert was also declared for Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
Karthikeyan noted that by October 28, the Bhajangar, Sorada, and Dhanai reservoirs were nearly 80% full. When water levels surged after the heavy rains, the gates were opened without prior warning to residents in low-lying areas.
“This led to a catastrophic disaster for the people of Ganjam,” he stated. “An unprecedented flood situation emerged, causing substantial loss of life and property. Unfortunately, that poor decision inflicted immense suffering on millions.”
He highlighted that the Ruchikulya river basin contains several medium-sized reservoirs, along with hundreds of small irrigation projects, diversion weirs, and check dams. He questioned why the necessary water wasn’t released in advance, as is standard procedure for managing floods or cyclones.
Karthikeyan demanded accountability, asking who is responsible for this man-made disaster and whether the BJP government will answer for the plight of millions. The BJD reiterated that the lack of timely and effective water management exacerbated the flooding, resulting in widespread damage to many lives.
