Baripada, Aug 6: Odisha's Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabinarayan Naik is on a two-day visit to Mayurbhanj district to assess the recent flood situation and review relief and rehabilitation measures.

After arriving in Baripada on Tuesday night, the minister chaired a high-level review meeting at the Mayurbhanj Collector's Office on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, MLAs from Baripada, Rairangpur, Saraskana, Bangiriposi, Badasahi, and Udala, along with the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and senior government officials.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Minister Naik said the Odisha government had effectively handled the flood situation that affected Mayurbhanj on July 27 and 28. He added that the state is now focusing on long-term flood mitigation measures to reduce the impact of similar disasters in the future.

According to the minister, the state government has prepared a special flood management plan for 15 flood-prone districts, assigning different ministers to monitor and oversee implementation in the affected regions.

Naik pointed out that large volumes of water flowing from the Similipal Tiger Reserve often inundate low-lying areas, triggering floods during the monsoon.

To address the recurring problem, he proposed the construction of high-level bridges at vulnerable locations, saying such infrastructure would significantly reduce flood-related disruptions and improve connectivity during heavy rains.

Following the review meeting, the minister and the delegation visited flood-hit areas to inspect damaged crops, collapsed houses, and washed-away roads. The field visit aims to assess the extent of the damage before preparing a detailed action plan.

Responding to concerns over mud houses that collapse every year during floods, Minister Naik said many deserving families were deprived of permanent housing due to incomplete surveys conducted by the previous government.

He stated that the current government aims to provide Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) houses to 3.7 million beneficiaries across Odisha. Families whose houses have been damaged in the recent floods will be given priority under the housing scheme.

The minister said that after completing the field assessment, the district administration and elected representatives will jointly prepare a comprehensive action plan and report for submission to the Odisha government. The report will include recommendations for permanent flood control measures, infrastructure development, and rehabilitation assistance for affected residents.