Angry residents of Nalabanta village in Asika block of Odisha’s Ganjam district staged a road blockade on National Highway 59, protesting the alleged denial of flood relief assistance. The demonstration disrupted traffic movement between Asika and Berhampur, causing inconvenience to commuters travelling along the busy route.
The villagers took to the streets after expressing dissatisfaction over the distribution of relief materials following the recent floods. They alleged that several other flood-affected villages had already received government assistance, while residents of Nalabanta were left out despite suffering from the flooding.
Villagers Allege Discrimination in Flood Relief Distribution
According to the protesters, the administration has failed to provide adequate relief assistance to Nalabanta residents even as other affected communities have received support.
The villagers expressed anger over what they described as unequal distribution of relief materials. They demanded immediate intervention from the district administration and called for assistance to reach every affected household.
The road blockade was organised to draw the attention of the authorities towards their grievances and press for immediate relief distribution.
Traffic Disrupted Between Asika and Berhampur
The protest on National Highway 59 affected vehicle movement between Asika and Berhampur.
With protesters blocking the road, commuters and other travellers faced difficulties crossing the affected stretch. The disruption also affected people depending on the highway for their daily travel and transportation needs.
The blockade highlighted the growing frustration among flood-affected communities over delays and alleged gaps in relief distribution.
Ganjam Continues to Face Flood Relief Challenges
Ganjam district has witnessed severe flooding following heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab. Several areas, including Asika, Sorada, Bhanjanagar and Purushottampur, experienced extensive inundation, affecting residential areas, roads and essential services.
The flooding of the Rushikulya River caused widespread disruption, leaving several communities struggling to access basic necessities. The district administration has undertaken rescue and relief operations, including the distribution of food and essential supplies in affected areas.
However, complaints from residents in different parts of the district have highlighted concerns about whether relief assistance is reaching every affected community in time.
Villagers Seek Immediate Administrative Intervention
The Nalabanta residents are demanding that the authorities address their complaints and ensure that eligible flood-affected families receive the assistance they need.
Their protest has brought attention to the importance of transparent and equal relief distribution during disaster recovery.
The immediate concern remains the restoration of normal traffic movement on NH-59 and the delivery of relief materials to the affected households.
The Nalabanta flood relief protest has added to the growing concerns over post-flood relief distribution in Ganjam, with residents seeking timely assistance and accountability from the administration.
