Bhubaneswar, November 7:Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed deep concern over the hardships faced by people affected by floods and cyclone-related damage in Ganjam district. He urged the state government to take immediate steps to provide relief, expedite damage assessments and ensure timely compensation for all affected families.Patnaik on Saturday visited several flood- and cyclone-affected areas, including Sheragada, Hinjili, Asika and Sorada, during a one-day tour of the district. He interacted with affected residents, farmers and local business representatives to assess the extent of the damage and understand the challenges they are facing.Large numbers of people gathered at various locations to meet the former Chief Minister and bring their grievances to his attention. Farmers showed him damaged paddy crops and sugarcane fields, expressing concern over significant agricultural losses. They also alleged that inadequate preparedness and administrative negligence had aggravated their difficulties.Several affected families shared accounts of damaged houses, destroyed household belongings and disrupted livelihoods. Residents of Sheragada and Asika described how floodwaters entered their homes, causing extensive damage and leaving them struggling to recover from their losses.Many people became emotional while narrating their experiences, claiming that they had never witnessed such widespread devastation in Ganjam during Patnaik’s 24-year tenure as Chief Minister.After listening to the affected residents, Patnaik said the suffering of the people was immense and the extent of the destruction deeply concerning. He expressed solidarity with the victims and assured them that their grievances deserved urgent attention.Calling for swift government intervention, the BJD president urged the administration to accelerate relief and rehabilitation measures. He also directed the district officials present during his visit to expedite the assessment of damages and ensure that eligible families receive compensation and financial assistance without unnecessary delays.Meanwhile, business associations from Asika and Sheragada submitted memorandums to the Leader of Opposition, highlighting the substantial losses suffered by local traders and business establishments due to the floods.Patnaik emphasised that the affected people need immediate administrative support, adequate financial compensation and timely relief to overcome the crisis and rebuild their homes, livelihoods and businesses. He reiterated that the government must act promptly to ensure that no affected family is left without assistance.
Ganjam people suffering immensely; Government must act promptly: Naveen Patnaik
