'Political uncertainity' in Nepal causing flood in East UP

Varanasi, Sep 3 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh government today held ''political uncertainity'' in Nepal responsible for annual floods in Eastern part of the state.

''Political stability in Nepal held the key to a permanent solution to the annual flood problem in east UP districts, including Gorakhpur, Baharaich, Lakhimpur Kheri and Faizabad'' State Revenue and Relief Minister Ambika Chaudhary told newspersons here.

The Minister said the flood problem in Eastern UP could only be addressed by building reservoirs and barrages in the Himalayan Kingdom, whose swelling rivers, actuate flood in Saryu, Sharda and Ghaghra rivers on this side of the border.

''Talks on building barrages and reservoirs in Nepal could happen, only when there is political stability in the Himalayan Kingdom,'' Mr Chaudhary added.

Mr Chaudhary also informed the flood affected Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have released over 11 lakh cusecs of water in Betwa river in UP. This is likely to result in rise in UP rivers, especially Yamuna and Ganga.

''The rise could be upto Allahabad and Varanasi, but will not be of alarming proportions,'' he claimed.

He further said the entire flood monitoring and relief apparatus of the state has been alerted to deal with any eventuality if more water is released in UP from MP or Rajasthan.

On the flood relief front, Mr Chaudhary said not only direct victims of flood, but families of those who die, while on flood relief duty will also be duly compensated.

UNI ARS ATI MB MSJ RS1857