Bhubaneswar, November 10: Leader of the Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, demanding immediate relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction measures for flood-affected people in Ganjam district.

In his letter, Patnaik highlighted extensive damage to crops, homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods during his November 7 visit to Hinjili, Sheragada, Asika, and Sorada. He alleged that inadequate preparedness, delayed warnings and improper dam water releases worsened the flood situation.

Questioning the government's response, he demanded accountability for the alleged lapses and strict action against those responsible. He also urged the government to provide timely compensation, restore livelihoods and ensure reconstruction without discrimination.

Patnaik further called for strengthening community-based disaster management mechanisms, warning that the BJD would continue to raise the concerns of affected people if adequate relief and rehabilitation were not provided.

Patnaik referred to the community-based disaster management system developed during the previous BJD government, highlighting the role of Sarpanches, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members and Mission Shakti groups in disaster response. He alleged that the neglect of these institutions under the present BJP government had weakened the state’s disaster management framework.

He urged the BJP-led State Government to take responsibility, identify the lapses, and strengthen disaster management mechanisms. He warned that the BJD would raise the concerns of affected people at every possible platform, from villages to Delhi, if the government failed to provide adequate relief and rehabilitation.