Congress blames Bihar for not putting in place advance preparations

New Delhi, Aug 27 (UNI) Expressing deep concern at the havoc and destruction caused by the floods in the Kosi river, the Congress today blamed the JD(U)-led government in Bihar for not puting in place advance preparations and plans.

AICC Spokesman Abishek Manu Singhvi told mediapersons that the Centre had rushed 100,000 tonnes of foodgrains to the affected areas to the state. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would also visit the state shortly.

" Ultimately, what is of concern is that the state government should not engage in fault finding." He said the state government should have been ready with advance preparations and plans as Kosi was known to changing its course.

In this context, he said a timely process and procedures had to be institutionalised to meet such a calamity.

He suggested that each district should have a disaster managemnt plan, including mitigation plan and emergency response plan, and trained manpower to handle such a situation.

"This is important to deal with such a situation in future. The Centre should accord all help on an emergency basis." UNI SH RL MIR KP1952