RS demands long-term strategy to meet floods

New Delhi, Aug 23 (UNI) The Rajya Sabha today discussed the situation arising out of heavy floods in various parts of the country.

Initiating the debate under short duration discussion, CPI member Moinul Hasan demanded that immediate relief be given to flood-affected parts in Kerala. ''Meanwhile, in Bihar, no relief work is going on,'' he claimed.

AIADMK member C Perumal said floods have destroyed 238 million tonnes of foodgrains affecting 20 states in the country and urged the Government to set up rain water harvesting facilities.

Prof Ram Deo Bhandary of RJD pointed out that 12.04 lakh hectares of land was submerged under flood waters resulting in Rs 338.24 crore damage to crops, and 1,77,728 houses which would require about Rs 174 crore to rebuild.

State and Central governments should chalk out long-term plans to meet such situations as floods were an annual feature, Mr Bhandary said.

He also pointed out that due to flooding in rivers of Nepal, many areas in Bihar were inundated. The Government should make some permanent arrangements to meet such calamitious situation in consultation with the Nepal Government.

He suggested that water reservoirs should be constructed in Bihar and urged the Centre for providing immediate relief to the affected people.

Mr D Raja of CPI shared his concerns and suggested that a multi-pronged strategy should be adopted while planning to meet disasters.

He urged that Centre should extend all help to the affected states and maintain proper coordination with state governments in the event of such calamities.

Mr Raja pointed out that Orissa faces both floods and drought.

Recently, Orissa gave 3000 acres of forest land to steel giant Posco, when the ''world is worried about global warming''.

Ms Pramila Bohidar of BJD also advocated Central relief for the flood-affected areas of Orissa and demanded a lasting solution to meet floods which have become an annual feature.

UNI