Asika, Nov 13 (UDN): : Dharakote Block Development Officer (BDO) Lipina Das has earned widespread appreciation across the block for her dedicated service and effective leadership during the devastating floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent swelling of the Rushikulya River.
Just 15 days after assuming charge as BDO of Dharakote Block, which comprises 18 Gram Panchayats, Lipina Das faced the major challenge of managing the cyclone-induced floods. Ten of the block’s 18 Gram Panchayats were severely affected by the disaster. Despite being relatively new to the block, she demonstrated remarkable leadership, coordination and team spirit in carrying out rescue, relief, rehabilitation and emergency response operations.
With a special focus on the worst-affected Singipur, Jahada and Jagamohan Gram Panchayats, she coordinated with the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Services personnel to deliver relief materials by boats across the flooded Rushikulya River. Dry food items were distributed among stranded families, while arrangements were made to provide cooked meals to people sheltered in relief centres.
She mobilised all block-level employees, police personnel and fire service teams to ensure coordinated disaster management and achieve the government’s zero-casualty target. More than 30 relief shelters were established to accommodate flood-affected people. After the floodwaters receded, arrangements were made to safely return the displaced families to their homes.
The BDO also took steps to assess the damage caused by the floods and draw the attention of the district administration towards the rehabilitation needs of affected families. Following her efforts, the District Collector, nodal officers and other senior administrative officials visited the affected areas and took steps to expedite relief operations and restore damaged infrastructure.
Special attention was given to ensuring that every eligible affected family received the relief assistance announced by the government, including 50 kg of rice and financial assistance of ₹2,500. Lipina Das was personally present at relief distribution centres to supervise the process and ensure that assistance reached beneficiaries smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
Speaking about the relief and rehabilitation efforts, BDO Lipina Das said that standing beside people affected by the cyclone and floods and ensuring that they receive government assistance remained her top priority. She emphasised that no affected person should be left out of the relief process and that continuous efforts were being made to help displaced and vulnerable families return to normal life with active support from the district administration.
Despite having only around 25 working days in the block, Lipina Das successfully handled a major natural disaster through effective coordination, prompt action and people-oriented administration. Her commitment to serving flood-affected communities during their difficult times has earned her widespread appreciation throughout Dharakote Block.
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