Patna. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary visited flood-affected Vaishali and Saran districts on Monday and inspected relief camps in Hajipur and Sonpur. He interacted directly with flood victims to assess relief and rescue operations and took stock of food, healthcare, accommodation and other facilities being provided at the camps.
The Chief Minister also inspected the community kitchens at the relief camps and personally served food to flood-affected people.
Relief Arrangements Reviewed in Vaishali
At the flood relief camp operating opposite Ganga Bridge Police Station in Vaishali, Chaudhary inspected the community kitchen. He also reviewed arrangements at the food distribution counter and the registration-cum-control room.
After checking the quality of the food, the Chief Minister asked people staying at the camp whether they were facing any problems related to food, accommodation or other facilities. The residents told him that adequate food was being provided and that the arrangements were satisfactory.
Chaudhary also inspected the Anganwadi centre operating at the relief camp and interacted with children. At the educational camp, he enquired about the children’s studies, educational activities and meals.
He also reviewed separate accommodation arrangements made for women and men and interacted directly with residents of both camps.
Healthcare and Veterinary Facilities Reviewed
During his inspection of the health camp, the Chief Minister spoke to doctors about the available testing and treatment facilities. He directed officials to ensure that any flood-affected person who falls ill receives immediate medical attention and faces no difficulty in accessing treatment.
Chaudhary also reviewed arrangements at the veterinary camp. He directed officials to ensure adequate availability of medicines for animals and proper arrangements for cattle feed in flood-affected areas.
During the visit, the Chief Minister also provided assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the dependants of people who died after drowning in floodwaters.
CM Inspects Relief Camp in Sonpur
The Chief Minister then reached Sonpur in Saran district and inspected the flood relief camp operating at the Scout and Guide Centre in the town.
He reviewed arrangements at the community kitchen and interacted with people staying at the camp to enquire about food, accommodation and other facilities. Chaudhary also had a meal with the flood victims and checked its quality.
Residents of the camp thanked the Chief Minister for the relief measures and arrangements. They said adequate facilities for food, drinking water, accommodation and other essential needs had been made available.
Farmers to Get Compensation for Crop Loss
Chaudhary said crop damage caused by the floods would be assessed and affected farmers would receive appropriate compensation. He also said the government was working towards a permanent solution to the annual flooding problem caused by the Ganga.
Ganga Water Level Falls by 17-18 Centimetres
Speaking to reporters during his inspection of the relief camps in Hajipur and Sonpur, the Chief Minister said the water level of the Ganga had fallen by around 17 to 18 centimetres.
He said around 1.5 million cusecs of water was still being continuously discharged from Farakka Barrage. The Chief Minister expressed the possibility of further improvement in the situation over the next two to three days.
He said administrative and disaster management officials were continuously monitoring the situation and the government was making efforts at every level to provide relief to flood-affected people.
Chaudhary said the state was currently facing a disaster situation and the government stood firmly with the people during such circumstances. Food, healthcare, education for children and other essential facilities have been arranged for flood-affected families.
He directed district administrations to continuously monitor the situation. Once conditions return to normal, a survey of every affected household will be conducted, based on which the extent of damage will be assessed and all possible relief will be provided.
The Chief Minister said discussions had also been held with the Central Water Commission on maintaining the Ganga’s water flow within a prescribed limit and finding a permanent solution to the flooding problem. He said the government’s aim was to provide a lasting solution to people affected by the annual floods in the Ganga.
