Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: Odisha Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to ensure immediate relief, compensation and rehabilitation for people affected by the recent floods in Ganjam district.

He also demanded accountability for alleged administrative negligence and lapses in handling the flood situation despite advance weather warnings.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Patnaik expressed concern over the extensive damage caused by the floods to infrastructure, agricultural crops, livelihoods and private property, besides the loss of lives.

He alleged that inadequate preparedness and delayed administrative action had aggravated the situation, pushing the affected areas several years backwards in terms of development.

Referring to his visit to flood-hit areas on November 7, Patnaik said he had witnessed the hardships faced by residents of Hinjili, Sheragada, Asika and Sorada. During the visit, he interacted with farmers, women, small traders and other affected residents, who shared their experiences and the extent of their losses.

Questioning the government's preparedness, Patnaik pointed to the early warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on October 23. He alleged that despite sufficient advance information about the impending weather conditions, the state government failed to take timely preventive measures.

He particularly questioned the timing of water releases from dams, alleging that the Water Resources Department opened the gates only after intense cyclonic rainfall had begun, instead of releasing adequate quantities of water beforehand.

He further claimed that residents had not received proper warnings before the dam gates were opened, worsening the impact of the floods.

Describing the situation as a man-made crisis, the BJD president demanded strict action against officials responsible for the alleged negligence.

He said the authorities should have anticipated heavy rainfall and its potential impact on Ganjam, given the district's vulnerability to cyclonic weather conditions.

Patnaik also raised concerns over delays in rescue and relief operations, alleging that several people remained stranded for days without adequate food and drinking water. He criticised the alleged lack of timely government advisories regarding the intensity of the rainfall and the possible consequences.

During his visit, Patnaik said he had received several representations from flood-affected residents and forwarded them to the Special Relief Commissioner for necessary action.

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Stressing the urgency of rehabilitation, he called on the State Government to provide timely and fair compensation to affected families and farmers.

He also sought a comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction package to restore damaged infrastructure and revive the livelihoods of farmers, women, youth, small traders and other vulnerable sections.