Heavy Flood Damage in Bastar, Presidents Visit Sparks Hope for Relief
President Droupadi Murmus visit to Jagdalpur raises hopes for relief amid severe flood damage in Bastar.
Jagdalpur, October 23 (Daily Kiran) : President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, on the second day of her tour, scheduled for Friday. She will participate in the historic Muria Darbar, an event that holds significant cultural importance in the region. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Phoolo Devi Netam expressed the community’s expectations, stating that the tribal population of Bastar hopes the President will listen to their concerns and work towards addressing them.
Netam highlighted the extensive damage caused by recent floods in Bastar, which have devastated crops and led to significant losses for many families. In this challenging time, she emphasized that the people of Bastar look to the President’s visit as a beacon of hope for relief and development. She noted that Bastar is rich in forest resources and lacks nothing but the right plans and political will to ensure comprehensive development.
Regarding the Muria Darbar, Netam pointed out that traditionally, local tribal members and people from all communities could attend freely. However, she criticized the current administrative pressures and the pass system that restrict access for ordinary tribal citizens. Netam asserted that the Muria Darbar should remain independent, reminiscent of the royal era when every individual’s issue was heard and resolved. She condemned attempts to politicize this traditional gathering, insisting that there should be no interference from the ruling party.
On the topic of health issues, particularly malaria and delays in mosquito net tenders, Netam described these as significant failures of the government, indicating a lack of adequate healthcare services for the community.
She also raised alarms over rising incidents of violence against women in Chhattisgarh since the Bharatiya Janata Party took power. Reports of murders and rapes of young girls have surged, with three to four cases emerging daily. Netam criticized the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, urging the government to take strict action to ensure the safety of women and girls.
