Katihar: Flood conditions have become serious in Katihar district due to the rising water levels of the Ganga, Kosi and other tributaries. A large number of affected families have moved to safer and higher locations as the district administration stepped up relief and rescue preparations.
The District Magistrate held a review meeting with officials and public representatives and directed them to begin immediate relief operations under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disaster management. The administration has decided to provide an ex-gratia relief amount of ₹7,000 per eligible affected family through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
₹7,000 Relief to Be Sent Through DBT
Officials have been instructed to enter only the names of verified and living single heads of affected families on the Disaster Supply Portal. The move is aimed at preventing duplicate or fraudulent entries.
The relief amount will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible families through DBT.
Community Kitchens to Provide Free Cooked Food
The administration has ordered the immediate operation of community kitchens at identified locations for displaced people. Mandatory registration of those receiving meals will be carried out, while photographs and videos of the arrangements will be sent to senior officials.
The distribution of puris and fried food items has been completely prohibited at the camps. Cooked meals consisting of dal, rice and vegetables will be provided twice a day according to prescribed standards.
Cooks engaged for the community kitchens will be paid remuneration at rates fixed by the Labour Department.
Safe Evacuation Declared Top Priority
Rescuing people stranded in flood-hit areas has been identified as the administration’s top priority. Adequate boats are being arranged for evacuation and only registered boats will be allowed to operate.
Every government boat must display a red flag along with the words “Government Boat Free Service.” Overloading will be strictly prohibited, and boat operations will not be allowed after sunset.
Medical Teams and Boat Ambulances on Alert
The Health Department has been placed on alert and directed to ensure adequate stocks of life-saving medicines, anti-snakebite injections, vaccines and halogen tablets at relief camps.
Boat ambulances will be deployed for remote areas, while bleaching powder will be sprayed to maintain sanitation. Officials have also been instructed to evacuate pregnant women in time and ensure safe delivery at hospitals.
Priority will also be given to the evacuation and assistance of elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
Drinking Water, Toilets and Cattle Fodder Arrangements
The administration has also ordered arrangements for drinking water through tankers and separate toilets at relief camps. Fodder will be provided for cattle, while damaged roads will be repaired and crop losses will be assessed promptly.
The review meeting was attended by the Additional Collector, Manihari SDM, Civil Surgeon, BDOs, COs and all Mukhiya representatives.
