Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister on Monday visited several flood-hit areas, assessed the situation, interacted with people and asked officials to ensure quick relief and assistance in the affected areas.
He was accompanied by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Rajya Sabha MP Manmohan Samal and senior officers.
According to officials, the Chief Minister visited areas in severely affected districts such as Jajpur, Bhadrak and Baleshwar. He also undertook boat journey in some areas to take stock of the situation.
During Majhi’s visit to flood-hit Jajpur, a political row emerged with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders, including party’s chief whip Pramila Mallik and local MLA Sujata Sahu staging a sit on the road, alleging that they were not allowed to accompany the CM during his boat survey if the affected areas.
The BJD leaders alleged that they were ignored and denied an opportunity to join the Chief Minister’s inspection despite being elected representatives from the district.
The protest by the opposition leaders came Majhi visited some submerged areas of Jajpur district to assess the situation following flood in Baitarani River.
Wearing life jackets, the Chief Minister travelled by boat through inundated areas and inspected the flood situation from close quarters and assessed the impact of rising river water on affected areas.
Sources said Majhi visited the Dasarathpur area and took stock of the situation on the ground. The Baitarani River is still flowing above the danger mark at Dasarathpur, while the Brahmani River at Jenapur is flowing below the danger level.
Officials said all arrangements have been made to provide immediate relief, healthcare services, and essential supplies the distressed, while assistance efforts are being expedited.
According to information, people in several villages expressed their appreciation for these swift actions during the flood crisis.
Stating that the government is keeping a close watch on the flood situation that has arisen in some areas of the state due to renewed heavy rainfall, The Chief Minister said the local administration is present at the field level with complete readiness, monitoring the situation while continuing necessary rescue and relief operations.
For the smooth management of rescue and relief operations, three senior and experienced officers have been assigned separate responsibilities for Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts.
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) is maintaining constant coordination with all district administrations and overseeing the operations.
Ensuring swift assistance reaches the affected people and their safety is our topmost priority. Please follow the administration’s directives and stay safe; the government is always with you.
With the Baitarani river swelling, several low-lying areas of Jaipur have come under floodwater, raising concerns over further inundation. The visit comes amid ongoing relief and response measures in the affected areas.
The combined impact of Baitarani and Brahmani rivers and their tributaries has severely affected several low-lying areas, including Bari, Jajpur and Dasarathpur. Over 242 villages in eight blocks reportedly remain surrounded by floodwater, snapping road connectivity.