- Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari accused the previous BJD government of failing to establish adequate long-term flood mitigation measures during its 24-year tenure.
- Pujari said Ganjam recorded 337.6 mm of rainfall, while Patrapur received 808.4 mm, contributing to severe flooding and landslide-like situations.
- The state government plans to work with IITs and other experts on scientific studies of drainage, rivers, waterways and disaster risks.
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has blamed the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government for failing to develop adequate long-term solutions to recurring floods and natural disasters during its 24 years in power.
His remarks come amid an escalating political debate over the recent devastating floods in Ganjam district. The controversy intensified after BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik described the floods as a “man-made crisis” and questioned the present government’s disaster preparedness.
Speaking to the media, Pujari defended the state government’s response and argued that the previous administration had not given sufficient attention to sustainable flood management measures.
Ganjam Recorded 337.6 mm Rainfall, Patrapur Received 808.4 mm
Explaining the severity of the recent floods, Pujari said Ganjam district received 337.6 mm of rainfall, while Patrapur recorded an exceptionally high 808.4 mm.
According to the Minister, the intense rainfall triggered severe flooding and landslide-like situations in several parts of the district.
He maintained that the scale of rainfall was unprecedented and placed the administration under considerable pressure.
Pujari Cites Past Cyclone Deaths to Question Previous Government
The Minister also referred to casualties during previous major cyclones to question the disaster management record of the former BJD government.
According to figures cited by Pujari, Cyclone Phailin in 2013 claimed 45 lives, including 22 deaths caused by floods and 23 directly attributed to the cyclone.
He further stated that 72 people lost their lives during Cyclone Titli in 2018.
Pujari alleged that despite being in power for 24 years, the previous government failed to give adequate attention to permanent solutions for flood management and disaster mitigation.
These figures were presented by the Minister as part of his criticism of the previous administration.
Odisha Government Plans Scientific Flood Management with IITs
Pujari said the present government is looking beyond immediate rescue, relief and restoration activities and is working on a long-term strategy to reduce the impact of future disasters.
As part of this initiative, the government is collaborating with various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and seeking expert assistance to study the causes of flooding.
The proposed studies will focus on:
- Identifying the underlying causes of recurring floods.
- Improving drainage systems in vulnerable areas.
- Strengthening the management of rivers and waterways.
- Developing scientific and sustainable flood mitigation strategies.
- Reducing the risk of future flooding and related disasters.
The Minister said expert assessments would help the government develop more effective and sustainable solutions.
Special Studies Planned for Landslide-Prone Areas
Pujari also highlighted the need to address landslide risks in hilly districts such as Gajapati and Kandhamal.
He said special studies would be conducted in vulnerable areas to identify potential threats and prepare advance preventive measures.
The objective, according to the Minister, is to minimise the loss of life during future natural disasters.
He added that ministers and IAS officers had been deployed to assess the situation in rain- and flood-affected areas, while administrative monitoring and relief operations were being prioritised.
Pujari Challenges Opposition Ahead of Assembly Session
With the flood situation becoming a major political issue, Pujari challenged opposition leaders to present facts and supporting documents if they raise questions about flood management and casualties during the upcoming Assembly session.
He said the state government was prepared to respond to the Opposition with relevant data and official records.
The Minister acknowledged that questioning the government was a democratic right but stressed that allegations should be supported by evidence.
Political Debate Over Ganjam Floods Continues
The political dispute has intensified following Naveen Patnaik’s criticism of the state government’s handling of the floods.
Patnaik had alleged that authorities failed to follow standard operating procedures, particularly regarding the monitoring of dam water levels and the release of reservoir water ahead of heavy rainfall.
The state government has rejected allegations of negligence and attributed the flooding primarily to exceptionally heavy rainfall.
The latest remarks by Pujari have shifted attention towards the previous government’s record on long-term disaster preparedness, adding another dimension to the ongoing political debate.
The effectiveness of the proposed scientific studies, drainage improvements and river management measures will be important in determining how Odisha prepares for future floods.
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