Rattled by severe criticism from different quarters for poor handling of the flood situation, Baleswar Collector B Parameswaran on Tuesday took stock of the situation in a review meeting with the Block Development Officers and tehsildars of the district and asked them to expedite the relief distribution work.
In the meeting, the Collector enquired about the difficulties faced by the officers in reaching out to people and the progress made so far in relief and reconstruction works.
He asked them to expedite distribution of polythene sheets and rice as well as Rs 300 among the affected people as soon as possible.In Baleswar, about 11 lakh people in all the blocks except Khaira have been affected by the devastating flood. Out of the 11 affected blocks, Baliapal, Bhograi, Jaleswar, Basta, Sadar and Remuna are the worst-hit.
The Collector was told that it would take another two to three days before the preliminary distribution of polythene sheets, rice and cash relief is distributed. The officers also narrated the difficulties they face through political interference in relief work.
The enumeration of fully damaged houses and their photography would take at least 20 days.
“We are facing a great difficulty due to political interference. Each gram panchayat would take at least a day for enumeration. Therefore, it’ll take time to cover all GPs,” the officers said. Also shortage of manpower and vehicles in transporting relief materials is causing problems. The Collector asked the officials to take the help of RTOs, VlWs and if needed, teachers to expedite the relief work.
“I have reviewed the post-flood work progress in each block and tehsil. I have asked the officials to expedite the work and submit report daily. Further, they have been asked to submit report on the persons staying in shelter camps and their duration of stay,” said Parameswaran.Meanwhile, the woes of the flood victims of the district have been compounded due to fresh raining because of low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.