Bhubaneswar: As Balasore district continues to battle severe flooding caused by the overflowing Subarnarekha River, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) has swiftly moved to form a dedicated committee to oversee relief operations and distribution of aid to the affected populace. The initiative comes as over 50,000 people have been impacted across Bhograi, Baliapal, Basta, and Jaleswar blocks, with villages submerged and communication lines disrupted.
The Committee will be chaired by former Balasore MP candidate and AICC Member, Navjyoti Patnaik. This move underscores the party’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Accompanying the committee, PCC Vice President and Balasore District Organization in-charge, Debashish Patnaik, will be on the ground, actively participating in the rescue and relief efforts.
The committee comprises key Congress leaders, with Shri Patnaik as Chairman and Sanjeeb Giri (District President) as a member.
To ensure focused relief work in the worst-hit areas, specific members have been appointed for each block:
- For Bhograi: Shri Satyashiv Sundar Das, Shri Santosh Jena, Smt. Minarani Sur, and Smt. Mamata Sahu have been appointed.
- For Baliapal: Shri Bijan Nayak, Shri Jagannath Biswal, Smt. Ranjita Nayak, Shri Babaji Dehuri, and Shri Murali Manohar Sahu will lead the efforts.
- For Jaleswar: Shri Satya Das, Shri Devi Chand, Smt. Manjushree Panda, Shri Girija Shankar Das, and Shri Rajiv Parida have been designated as key members.
The formation of this committee aims to streamline the Congress party’s response to the flood crisis, ensuring that relief materials and assistance reach those most in need in a coordinated and efficient manner. The party leaders are expected to assess the ground situation and work towards providing immediate succor to the marooned villagers and displaced families.
The Subarnarekha River continues to pose a significant threat, flowing above the danger mark at Rajghat, although some reports indicate a slight recession in water levels from their peak. The sudden and massive discharge of water from Jharkhand’s Chandil and Galudihi barrages, allegedly without proper intimation, has exacerbated the flood situation in downstream areas of Balasore.
- Impact: Over 60 villages across 21 gram panchayats are inundated, affecting tens of thousands of residents. Roads are submerged, isolating many villages, and people have sought refuge on elevated grounds, bus stands, and cyclone shelters.
- Humanitarian Concerns: There are growing concerns about food and potable water shortages in affected areas. One person has reportedly gone missing after being swept away by floodwaters in Baliapal.
- Government Efforts: The district administration, along with ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Service teams, is engaged in extensive rescue and relief operations, including setting up free kitchens and distributing essential supplies. Officials’ leaves in the affected blocks have been cancelled to ensure continuous monitoring and response.
The Congress committee’s efforts will complement the ongoing government initiatives, with a focus on providing additional support and reaching out to affected communities on the ground.