Odisha Minister Challenges Opposition to Discuss Flood Management in Upcoming Assembly Session

Bhubaneswar, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : In Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has issued a challenge to opposition leaders, including Naveen Patnaik, regarding the state’s flood management strategies. This comes in the wake of the recent ‘Arnab’ cyclone and devastating floods in Ganjam. Pujari proposed an extensive discussion on disaster preparedness during the upcoming assembly session, set to commence on November 18.

Speaking to reporters, Pujari emphasized that the assembly is the most suitable platform for addressing significant issues. He urged all political parties to come prepared for the discussions, inviting opposition members to participate in a comprehensive review of various cyclones and floods that have impacted Odisha since the 1999 ‘Super Cyclone.’

The minister highlighted the unprecedented rainfall recorded in Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts due to the ‘Arnab’ cyclone. He noted that Ganjam’s Patrapur block experienced 89.4 mm of rain on October 28, which surged to 546 mm the following day, marking the fourth-highest rainfall in Odisha’s history. By October 30, total rainfall in the region reached 808.4 mm over three days.

Pujari criticized the previous BJD government, recalling that during the 2013 ‘Phailin’ cyclone, rainfall was measured at 205.55 mm, resulting in significant fatalities. He pointed out that while there were some casualties during the recent floods, they were primarily due to landslides rather than flooding itself.

The minister accused the BJD of failing to install an adequate number of gates in dams along the Rushikulya River and its tributaries during its 24 years in power, which hindered effective flood control. He also mentioned that the BJP government is taking steps to enhance infrastructure with the help of IIT and other institutions to mitigate the effects of future natural disasters and ensure maximum safety.