Jajpur Flood: 19 Panchayats Affected, Ahiyas Bazar Traders Demand Compensation; Victims Stage Protest

JAJPUR: Flooding in Dasharathpur has reportedly affected several areas, with more than 19 panchayats and over 400 small traders in Ahiyas Bazar facing livelihood losses. Although floodwaters have receded, affected residents continue to seek assistance and compensation for the damage caused.

Following the Chief Minister's visit to the affected region, flood victims reportedly staged a protest outside the Jajpur Collectorate, alleging that the relief and rehabilitation measures had not adequately addressed their difficulties.

Flood Victims Raise Three Major Demands

The protesters have reportedly placed the following demands before the district administration:

• Permanent repair and closure of breaches in the river embankments, locally referred to as Ghai Band.
• Compensation for houses damaged or collapsed during the flooding through a special relief package.
• Waiver of agricultural loans for farmers affected by the floods.

The protesters have urged the administration to take prompt action to address their concerns and support the restoration of livelihoods in the affected areas.

Allegations Over Embankment Construction

Some flood victims have alleged that poor-quality materials and substandard construction contributed to the failure of river embankments during the flooding. They have also raised questions about the quality of work carried out under the Jajpur Irrigation Department.

The protesters have called for an impartial vigilance inquiry into the embankment construction and maintenance works. They have demanded that responsibility be fixed and appropriate action taken if any irregularities are established.

These allegations require examination by the competent authorities. No conclusion regarding corruption, misuse of public funds or individual responsibility can be drawn without supporting records or an official investigation.

Traders and Farmers Seek Rehabilitation

The reported damage to businesses in Ahiyas Bazar has raised concerns about the economic impact of the flooding on small traders. Farmers in the affected areas have also sought financial relief, particularly in relation to agricultural loans and damaged property.

The protesters have maintained that their demands concern accountability, compensation and long-term measures to reduce the risk of similar flooding in the future.

Demand for Administrative Action

The protest outside the Jajpur Collectorate reflects the concerns raised by affected residents over relief, rehabilitation and the condition of river embankments.

The district administration's response, the extent of verified damage and any findings from an inquiry into the alleged construction deficiencies will be important in determining the next steps.

Editorial Note: The figures concerning affected panchayats and traders, details of the Chief Minister's visit, protest duration and specific allegations should be independently verified before publication. Allegations against officials, political representatives or contractors must remain attributed to the protesters unless established through an official inquiry.