Sub-panel constituted to assess waterlogging in Bihar

Patna, Aug 13 (UNI) The Bihar government has constituted a sub-panel to review and submit a report on waterlogging problems in the state within a week.

State Urban Development Minister Bhola Singh said the panel had been set up separately, in addition to the task force constituted earlier for detailed assessment of the waterlogging problems.

He said the sub-panel, with technocrats from the concerned departments and public representatives of the state capital, would review the situation and come forward with viable suggestions to overcome the menace.

The minister reiterated that the government had framed multi-pronged strategy to solve the problem.

He, however, added that the waterlogging problems faced by the residents of Rajendranagar last month were due to the ''deliberate blocking of the outlet of the main drain by vested interests.'' Meanwhile, the members of the sub-panel, inclduing Congress MLC Chandan Bagchi, alleged that the people of the capital city had to face the ''manmade'' disaster as the canals were never cleaned properly.

The members further said all the existing infrastructure for draining out the water needed immediate modernisation and strengthening.

UNI RS DPM RJ DS1407