Bihar flood has an international dimension: Advani

Patna,Sept 02 (UNI) Leader of Opposition L K Advani today said the flood in north Bihar was '' not a national but of international dimension'' because of its ferocity and called for its permanent solution through dialogues with the Nepal government.

Addressing a press conference here this evening on his return from an aerial survey of the flood-battered Madhepura, Supoul, Araria and Purnia districts, Mr Advani said he would raise the issue of the necessity of both long and short term flood control measures during his proposed meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi tomorrow.

Describing the situation in all the flood affected districts of north Bihar as 'devastating', the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP advocated that both the Centre and the Nepal government must take up the issue on top priority basis and start working without further delay.

'' The Bihar floods because of its devastating nature, has surpassed the national dimension to take an international dimension in all respect,'' Mr Advani pointed out and called for initiating fruitful dialogues among the top leaders of both the countries for a permanent solution.

He said in view of the catastrophic nature of the annual menace, primarily caused due to rush of huge water from the rivers in Nepal during monsoon every year, the union government must immediately review the Indo-Nepal treaty in terms of the Kosi barrage in north Bihar.

Describing the treaty regarding the Kosi barrage as 'outdated', Mr Advani emphasised the need for fresh dialogues with the new Nepal government to seek a permanent solution through a new prospective to prevent the fury of nature.

Mr Advani during his tour was accompanied by Bihar Chief minister Nitish Kumar, JD(U) President Sharad Yadad and several senior BJP leaders like Mr Arun Jaitley,Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad and Mr Sahanwaz Hussain. All of them were also present in the news conference.

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