Cyclone Arnab Aftermath / Shaktigaon powers flood relief kitchens with 1,000 LPG cylinders in Ganjam

Brahmapur, Nov 3: As flood-affected families across Ganjam district continue to depend on community kitchens for daily meals, the ‘Shaktigaon’ initiative of Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has played a crucial role in ensuring an uninterrupted supply of cooking fuel, officials said on Tuesday.

In a coordinated effort involving ORMAS, the Ganjam District Administration and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), over 1,000 LPG cylinders have been supplied during the past four days to keep relief kitchens functioning across the district.

Sustaining Relief Efforts

Officials said the initiative has enabled a continuous supply of LPG cylinders to more than 200 community kitchens being operated by block administrations across 10 blocks and urban local bodies in the flood-affected region.

These kitchens, located in villages as well as block headquarters, have become an important lifeline for thousands of people affected by the floods. Local volunteers and community groups have been working round the clock to prepare and distribute freshly cooked meals, helping ensure food security in areas facing disruption due to the disaster.

ORMAS leveraged its extensive network of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to assess local requirements and coordinate LPG distribution based on demand from different locations. The involvement of IOCL in arranging and supplying cylinders helped strengthen the supply chain, preventing interruptions in cooking operations.

Collaborative Response

Authorities noted that disaster response extends beyond the distribution of relief materials and requires the uninterrupted functioning of essential services. Ensuring a steady supply of cooking fuel has emerged as a key component of the relief mechanism, allowing community kitchens to continue serving hot and hygienic meals to affected residents.
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The ‘Shaktigaon’ initiative has been cited as an example of effective coordination among government agencies, public sector organisations, local administrations and community groups. By bringing together institutional support and grassroots participation, the initiative has helped ensure that no affected family is deprived of access to freshly cooked food during the ongoing flood situation.

As relief operations continue in Ganjam, the initiative remains a vital link in sustaining community-based support systems and strengthening disaster-response efforts at the local level.