Patna (Bihar): After facing scorching summer, people enthusiastically wait for the arrival of monsoon. But unfortunately, the monsoons are not merciful to everyone. In fact, it brings with itself a flood of sorrow in Bihar.
The floods in Bihar claim more than a thousand lives every year, with lakhs of people left with nothing to survive on.
A reality check on the monsoon preparedness of Bihar government It appears this year the people of the state have to face twin problem- floods and the coronavirus disease.
The Indian Meteorological Department itself has issued a warning for the state government to be prepared for the worst.
Similar to previous years, the Nitish Kumar-led state government has already patted their efforts & preparations and assured the citizens to remain calm and composed amid the crisis if it arrives.
Taking a peek into these claims, ETV Bharat tried to understand the ground reality of the flood-prone areas of Bihar.
What the government claims:
A relief package of Rs 7,200 crore announced
A total of 120 flood-prone areas identified
Teams of NDRF/SDRF sent to the flood-prone areas
Completion of the embankments to prevent soil erosion
Instrument useful for measurement of rainfall repaired
Steamer boats deployed for rescue and relief operations
Uncooked food items stocked near most flood-prone regions
A dedicated control room set up in the state capital
What ETV Bharat discovers:
The government has identified as many as 120 flood-prone regions in the state. According to officials, the state government has also released a fund of Rs 606 crore for the development of the river banks. As per the deadline, the entire project in hand should have been completed on or before May 15. But, only 40 per cent of it has been completed so far.
The project also includes heightening of low lying areas and repairing the unearthed areas which were washed away during the 2019 floods.
The conclusion derived from the observation reflects upon the government's preparedness to deal with this year's floods. It is clear that similar claims were made last year too. Given the present situation, the government is yet again expected to face severe floods and tragedy followed by it. Meanwhile, the ones who bear the brunt of the failed system will be the residents of the state, with the government authorities making a narrow escape from the situation.
Read:| Will rains sink Patna again?
