Bhubaneswar, Aug. 17 (UDN): With the flood situation worsening in several parts of Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has assigned three senior leaders to oversee relief and restoration efforts in the worst-affected districts.

According to an office order issued by BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Monday, former minister Pradip Kumar Amat has been assigned to Jajpur, former minister Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo to Bhadrak, and Sanjay Kumar Das Burma to Baleshwar.

Leaders Asked to Coordinate Relief Efforts

The three leaders have been directed to visit flood-affected areas, meet people facing difficulties and assess the situation on the ground.

They will also coordinate with the respective district administrations, local BJD leaders and party functionaries to facilitate relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures.

The assignments have come into effect immediately.

Flood Situation Remains Serious

The deployment comes at a time when several parts of Jajpur, Bhadrak and Baleshwar are grappling with flooding following heavy rainfall and rising river levels.

The Baitarani and Jalaka rivers are among the water bodies contributing to the flood situation, with several rivers across the state flowing above or close to their danger levels.

Floodwaters have affected villages, agricultural land and roads in parts of Bhadrak, Baleshwar, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Kendrapada, disrupting normal life and connectivity.

The BJD’s decision to deploy senior leaders is aimed at strengthening its grassroots response and ensuring that the concerns of affected residents are communicated to the administration while relief and restoration activities continue.