Patna, Sep 29 (IANS): Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said on Tuesday that the Bihar government is taking all the necessary measures to ensure relief to all the people who have been affected by the floods in the state. He also mentioned Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s aerial survey to assess the flood situation.
Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said, “Sometimes it is the Gandak that causes havoc, and sometimes it is the impact from Nepal. A flood is a disaster, and this is what the entire state of Bihar is suffering from. Every year, there is devastation. Farmers’ crops are destroyed, infrastructure is damaged, and whatever is rebuilt over the course of a year is destroyed again. The situation in Bihar, particularly in six to seven districts, has become very difficult.”
As floods in Bihar took a turn for the worse, with water levels rising beyond danger, the Bihar administration assessed its precautionary measures and highlighted its preparedness for the natural calamity. Some of them also shared the state government’s plan to tackle the natural disaster.
“The Honourable Chief Minister conducted an aerial survey. A surface-level inspection was conducted too. Earlier, the Government looked out for people affected by the floods and provided relief. This time too, 6-7 districts that were plagued by floods will be under surveillance,” Ram Kripal Yadav said.
He added that people living in those regions will be provided with all basic needs and all types of relief work were being done. “The government stands fully with the farmers. We will serve the farmers of the state to our full potential,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, JD(U) National Spokesperson, Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, highlighted that it was the second phase of the severe flood situation.
“This is the second phase of the severe flood situation, with a discharge of around 5.5 lakh cusecs of water and around six districts badly affected.”
He also said that precautionary measures were being taken, and preparations are in place, including the protection of embankments, relief camps, community kitchens, and protocols for shifting people to safe places. He added that all steps were taken based on the SOP prepared by the then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in a way so that people are impacted as little as possible.
He said, “I agree that the situation, after a significant amount of time, is slightly challenging, but instead of panicking, the people living in the flood-ridden areas should listen and adhere to the guidelines issued by the district administration.”
Furthermore, JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak mentioned that the government took full responsibility for the situation and explained how the core of the issue needs to be resolved.
He explained, “When glaciers break in Nepal and water flows down from there, Bihar, being a Terai region, is naturally at greater risk. We have been demanding for a long time that a high dam be built in coordination with Nepal, so that Bihar as well as the country can be protected. The Government of India has now accepted this demand. The high dam will be discussed, and once it is built, it will certainly ensure the safety of Bihar.”
He further said, “The government has taken accountability for the ongoing crisis in the state. Currently, the people who were affected by the floods are being given complete assistance. They are being provided for. The NDRF and SDRF teams are working around the clock to provide relief for the victims. The district administration and the Department of Water Resources are working too.”
Earlier, the Meteorological Centre issued a yellow alert for rain in 12 districts of north Bihar, including East Champaran district. Rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of around 30 kmph, are expected in these areas.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas and reviewed the preparedness of the local administration. He went to Hussaini block in East Champaran district to assess the flood situation around Dumaria Ghat Bridge and the surrounding areas.
He also sought updates from officials on water levels and the measures being taken to deal with any potential flooding.
