BERHAMPUR: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Ganjam district by helicopter to assess the difficult situation caused by the floods.
The Revenue Minister and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) accompanied the Chief Minister during the survey. Following the aerial inspection, the Chief Minister held a review meeting with ministers, MLAs, the Regional Development Commissioner (RDC) and district officials at the University Guest House. He assured that all necessary assistance would be provided to deal with the flood situation.
After distributing assistance to farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme, the Chief Minister arrived directly at Bhubaneswar Airport and boarded a special helicopter to inspect the flood-affected regions.
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and SRC Rajesh Prabhakar Patil accompanied him during the visit.
From the air, the Chief Minister witnessed the difficult situation across several parts of Ganjam district. He surveyed Asika, Dharakote, Hinjilicut, Purushottampur, Sheragada, Sorada, Bhanjanagar, Chhatrapur and other affected areas before landing at the Rangeilunda helipad.
He subsequently reached the University Guest House, where he held a detailed review meeting with the District Collector, RDC, ministers and MLAs.
During the meeting, an additional Rs 20 crore was announced for Ganjam district to tackle the flood situation. The district had already received an advance financial assistance of Rs 5 crore.
The Chief Minister assured that the government would provide all necessary support for relief distribution, rescue operations and rehabilitation of affected people.
Even before the aerial survey, the Revenue Minister had reviewed the situation and directed officials to distribute relief materials through helicopters to areas that were difficult to access.
Following the instructions, the administration deployed four helicopters to air-drop relief materials at 21 locations across Ganjam district.
Relief Air-Dropping in Ganjam
Relief materials were distributed from helicopters at several locations across the flood-affected areas.
- Purushottampur: Relief materials were air-dropped at seven locations.
- Hinjilicut: Three locations received aerial relief assistance.
- Sheragada, Dharakote, Asika, Belaguntha and Bhanjanagar: Relief materials were air-dropped at two locations in each area.
- Chikiti: Two locations received relief supplies through helicopters.
The aerial distribution was aimed at reaching people stranded in areas where normal transportation and road connectivity had been disrupted by floodwaters.
How Badly Has Ganjam Been Affected?
The flood situation has affected a large number of villages and urban areas across Ganjam district.
According to the available administrative figures:
- 242 Gram Panchayats have been affected.
- 366 villages have been affected.
- 18 urban areas have been affected.
- A total of 42,564 people have been affected.
- More than 23,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations.
- 588 pregnant women have been shifted to safer places.
- 386 women have safely delivered their babies.
Meanwhile, rescue and relief operations continue in the affected regions.
The administration has opened 352 relief centres in Ganjam district and another 340 relief centres in Gajapati district to accommodate affected people and provide them with essential assistance.
Deputy Chief Minister K. V. Singh Deo has stated that once the floodwaters recede, the government will assess the agricultural damage and ensure that affected farmers receive compensation without delay.
Meanwhile, a Central Government team is scheduled to visit Odisha on November 2 to assess the damage caused by the floods.
The state government is continuing rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts, while the aerial survey by the Chief Minister is expected to help authorities assess the ground situation and coordinate further assistance for flood-affected families.
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