Even as Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik received accolade from all quarters for his efficient handling of the evacuation process, which saved the lives of thousands during Cyclone Phailin, he has daunting task of ensuring proper distribution of relief materials and rehabilitating people in the affected areas.
Many cyclone-affected areas in Ganjam and Puri districts and flood-ravaged North Odisha are yet to receive the relief materials. In some areas, roads have not been cleared yet, making things difficult for the administration.
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The “loot” of the relief materials in Cuttack City, has raised huge question mark on the intent and mindset of the politicians, who allegedly took away loads of rice bags, dal, potatoes, edible oil, biscuits, lanterns and candles, which were meant for 20,000 cyclone-hit people in Cuttack district. The Congress has accused BJD leaders and Corporators of “looting” the materials, while the BJD has denied those charges.
Apart from that, delay in reaching the relief materials to the needy people, have resulted in anger among the common people, which is being fuelled by the opposition parties. People have taken to the streets, demanding immediate distribution of relief materials. At Humma, thousands of people had blocked the roads for a few hours. Same incident happened near Rambha too, where agitators had turned violent and had to be evacuated by the Army jawans using force.
It’s high time the state government to order probe into the irregularities and loopholes in the system and take necessary action to bring smile to the faces of needy people. Otherwise, the credibility of the government will be at stake.
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