Bihar govt contemplating to enhance demand for relief

Patna, Oct 13 (UNI) Following fresh assessment of the damage caused by the catastrophic floods in North Bihar, the state government is contemplating to enhance its demand to Rs 10,000 crore Central assistance for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Kosi region.

Sources at the state disaster department here today said the demand for the Central assistance for the work had been enhanced with the fresh assessment in the area and the requirement may cross Rs 10,000 crore.

Earlier, the state government had sought Rs 8,922.276 crore from the Centre for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction work.

The sources said the Centre had asked the state government to submit a detailed assessment report of the damage and the fund required under different sectors.

According to the sources, the fresh demands would be in addition to the Rs 1,000 crore received earlier under the special Kosi package for rehabilitation of the victims rendered homeless following the breach in Kosi embankment.

The sources further said the demand for Central package had been made on the basis of preliminary assessment, adding that clear picture of the quantum of assistance required would emerge with receding of flood water. The Central assistance is bound to increase, the sources said.

The quantum of assistance required for reshaping the roads, bridges and culverts has increased by nearly Rs 300 crore from Rs 1,305.99 crore.

As per the revised estimates, Rs 533 crore has been sought for constructing National Highways (NHs), State Highways (SHs), Major District Roads (MDRs), culverts and bridges.

The reconstruction of damaged rural roads is also likely to cost more than Rs 1,000 crore.

As per the preliminary estimates, agriculture sector required Rs 827 crore and the Irrigation department has demanded Rs 1,208 crore. The state govearnment has pegged the damage to rural housing at Rs 4,500 crore and urban infrastructure at Rs 600 crore.

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