Bihar CM demands 8600cr as flood relief package

New Delhi, Aug 13: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here yesterday, demanded that the Centre provide assistance of Rs 8,600 crore as a rehabilitation package to expedite relief operations.

He also requested the Prime Minister to help the state government in getting aid packages from the World Bank DFID, Asian Development Bank and other financial institutions, according to a Bihar government release here yesterday.

The Chief Minister met the Prime Minister yesterday in the Capital and apprised him devastation and the problems being faced by the people of Bihar due to the unprecedented floods during the past weeks.

He submitted to the PM an 'Integrated Flood Relief and rehabilitation Package.' Demanding an assistance to the tune of Rs 8,600 crore, the state government presented its request not only for the short term measures but also for the medium and long term solutions as a part of a permanent initiative against floods, which has become an annual phenomenon in the state.

The Chief Minister requested for an additional allocation of Rs 30 lakh quintals of wheat and rice and 180 litres of kerosene oil to meet the enhanced requirements of the people in the crisis.

For reconstruction of houses in the 19 flood-affected districts, the state demanded an allotment of Rs 5000 crore for solving this regular problem through an integrated flood and seismic proof housing scheme.

To compensate for the unprecedented damage to the crops, the Chief Minister requested for a revised assistance of Rs 5000 per hectare to all farmers, which currently stands at Rs 2000 only to small and marginal farmers.

Among other short-term measures, Mr Kumar pointed out an immediate requirement of Rs 230 crore for restoration of embankments and breaches.

Towards achieving a permanent sloution to prevent recurrence of the flood havoc in the state, Mr Kumar urged the Prime Minister for the creation of a 'Long Term Flood Strategy Group' in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) comprising the External Affairs Minister, Water Resources and Planning Commission along with state government representatives to evolve an action plan including a dialogue with Nepal authorities. with regard to reforestation and building high dams in that country.

The Prime Minister assured the Chief Minister of positive consideration and help on all issues from the Centre.

UNI