Torrential rains and non- existence of drainage systems have together caused a severe flood situation in the entire Bhadrak district.
Faulty execution of various water source renovation projects and lack of systems for appropriate release of water are other reasons which cause floods in the rural areas of the district.
The farmers have been the worst-affected as most of the paddy crops have been damaged in the flood waters.
The low-lying areas have remained cut off from the mainland. The waters of Baitarani, Reba and Kapali have been mixed with the waters of Salandi and Nalia in Dhamnagar, Bhandaripokhari, Tihidi and Bhadrak blocks. Similarly, Gamei, Kansbans and Mantei rivers are also swelling above danger marks.
The Bhadrak College has turned to be a shelter for poor residents of nearby areas. The Bhadrak Women’s College has been inundated. Residents of the town are suffering due to massive land encroachments and faulty town planning.
“While the inaction of the district administration amounts to human rights violations, yet the rubbish mind set of people to accept all situations has added to the woes only. The mindset should be removed,” says Sitakanta Tripathy, a social activist.
Kalandi Malik, a poor Dalit farmer who lost land in Reba-Kapali yojana, alleged that the fault committed by the Government officials kills farmers directly and indirectly. “We have lost our crops and, hence, broken our backbone. It will be politics of compensation now,” Malik lamented.
“It is enough. We will seek legal action against the errant officials for whose negligence the inhabitants of Bhadrak town have been suffering,” said Prakash Ranjan Nayak, a lawyer.
However, district officials said all possible measures are being taken to reach to the flood affected areas and helping the flood victims.