BJD Leader Criticizes Odisha Governments Flood Management in Ganjam

Bhubaneswar, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Opposition leader and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik sharply criticized the Odisha government’s preparations for Cyclone Arnab on Tuesday. He called for fair rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the flood-affected Ganjam district.

In a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Patnaik described the devastating floods in Ganjam as a “man-made crisis.” He urged the state government to hold those responsible accountable and impose strict penalties.

Patnaik referenced his recent visit to flood-hit areas in Ganjam on November 7, including Hinjili, Shergada, Aska, and Sorada, where he spoke with affected residents. He expressed deep sorrow over the suffering of the people, significant damage to infrastructure, widespread crop destruction, loss of life, and the devastation of livelihoods.

He accused the government of negligence, claiming that Ganjam has regressed several years due to its inaction. Patnaik noted that the state government ignored warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) starting October 23.

He emphasized that Ganjam is always at risk of heavy rainfall, typically occurring on the right side of where cyclones make landfall. According to Patnaik, standard operating procedures for managing cyclones and floods dictate that water should be released from dams ahead of time, with continuous monitoring of reservoir levels.

However, he alleged that the Water Resources Department released water from the dams only after the heavy cyclonic rains began, exacerbating the flooding and resulting in significant losses. Residents reported a lack of adequate warning before the dam gates were opened.

“This is gross negligence and a man-made crisis that raises serious questions of accountability. People are demanding strict action against those responsible for this serious lapse,” Patnaik stated.

He pointed out that the government itself admitted it was unprepared for the situation in Ganjam. If timely action had been taken based on the warnings, many hardships could have been avoided. He also criticized the delay in relief efforts, which left people stranded without food and water for days.

During his visit, Patnaik collected complaints and demands from the residents, which he forwarded to the Special Relief Commissioner for immediate action. He urged the government to ensure timely compensation through a collaborative effort at all levels, asserting that mere verbal assurances would not suffice. He warned that the BJD would not tolerate the government’s negligence in relief efforts and would protest from “Palli to Delhi.”

Patnaik highlighted that the previous BJD government had established a globally recognized community-based disaster management system, where sarpanches, PRI members, and ‘Mission Shakti’ groups played crucial roles.

He accused the BJP government of neglecting sarpanches and nearly dismantling ‘Mission Shakti,’ thereby weakening the community-based disaster response system.

Pointing to repeated mismanagement in disaster responses in Ganjam, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore, Patnaik called on the government to take responsibility and ensure accountability. He emphasized that the progress made during the BJD’s 24 years in power should not be wasted by the “double-engine government” in just 24 months.