Experts suggest measures to meet flood challenge

Patna, May 11 (UNI) With the monsoon season to arrive soon, experts on disaster management have urged the Bihar government as well as other agencies and NGOs to implement measures to meet the challenges posed by floods and be prepared to face any eventuality.

Addressing a seminar on ''Evolving strategy in dissemination of information as part of flood management'', scientist from ISRO, Bangalore, Sanjay Srivastav said here yesterday that the advancement made in the field of technology could help us be better prepared to face floods and other natural disasters.

The seminar was organised by the G P Sinha Centre for Disaster Management and Rural Development (GPSCDMRD).

Mr Srivastav said the information provided by the GPSCDMRD would certainly prove viable to control floods and maintained that its services could be utlised as the ''Control Centre''.

Highlighting on the milestone created by the ISRO, Mr Srivastav said the flood information system was now ''quick and accurate'' and must be taken seriously in case of impending danger.

''With the help of geological information, one can get the minute details on the gravity of the situation so that we could check the problems from getting aggravated,'' he added.

GPSCDMRD Director Ranjan Sinha suggested that the Centre could act as ''Control Centre'' in providing information regarding movement of water as well as relief and rehabilitation work during the monsoons.

He said his centre was contemplating to work in tandem with the Disaster Management Authority, Central Water Commission and the National Institute of Dissaster Management Centre for SAARC countries to share the valuable information.

Indian Forestry Officer Satyendra, formerly associated with disaster management, narrated his experiences in handling the Bangladesh cyclone and disclosed that over the years the neighbouring country's preparedness has brought down the severity of the cyclone in terms of loss of life. This was possible with better sharing of information among the stakeholders.

The role of media and scribes in the disaster management was also highlighted.

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