Odisha’s Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, has directed concerned officials to conduct an expedited assessment of the damage caused by heavy rain and floods in the Jharsuguda and Baragada districts, ensuring that government assistance and compensation reach the affected citizens without delay.
The Minister actively toured various flood-affected zones across both districts today to personally evaluate the situation. During his ground visit, he interacted closely with local residents to understand the extent of their losses and the immediate challenges they face.
In the Lakhanpur tehsil under the Brajarajnagar assembly constituency, Pujari visited Sukhasoda and Semilia villages. He paid special attention to the grievances of the local fishermen community, noting the severe damage inflicted upon their fishing nets and boats by the sudden floods. Responding to their plight, the Minister instructed the District Fishery Officer to accurately assess the losses and submit a detailed report at the earliest.
Similar stringent directives were issued to the Agriculture Department and local Tahasildars to immediately submit comprehensive reports on crop devastation and housing damage.
Expanding his tour, the Minister visited Chikili village in the Ambabhona block of Baragada district, as well as Mahudi, Remata, and Chikili villages in the Lakhanpur area, taking stock of the widespread inundation. He firmly instructed officials to accelerate the compensation process so that eligible beneficiaries receive timely relief. Furthermore, he emphasized the critical need to begin immediate repair and restoration of flood-damaged roads to normalize transportation and daily life.
Following the field visits, Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting at the Jharsuguda Circuit House with senior officials. The discussions provided a detailed overview of crop losses, infrastructure damage, and the specific toll on the fishing community. The Minister reiterated that there must be absolutely no bureaucratic delays in damage estimation, report filing, or the final distribution of relief funds.
The assessment tour and subsequent meeting were attended by prominent leaders and officials, including Baragada MP Pradeep Purohit, Bhatli MLA Irasish Acharya, Jharsuguda Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan, Baragada Collector Aditya Goyal, the Ambabhona Tahasildar, and representatives from various concerned departments.
