BHOJPUR MINISTER-IN-CHARGE TAKES STOCK OF FLOOD

BHOJPUR MINISTER-IN-CHARGE TAKES STOCK OF FLOOD

8-SEP-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------The devastating floods in Bihar's Bhojpur district have engulfed several panchayats across the Barhara, Shahpur, and Bihiya blocks. Rising water levels in the affected areas have disrupted normal life. To assess the situation during this challenging time, Bhojpur’s Minister-in-Charge, Arun Shankar Prasad, visited the affected regions alongside Minister Sanjay Singh Tiger, Shahpur MLA Rakesh Ojha, BJP leader Mukteshwar Ojha (alias Bhuar Ojha), Bhojpur District Magistrate Manesh Kumar Meena, and Superintendent of Police Awadhesh Dixit.

Addressing the question of declaring the area flood-affected, the Minister stated that the administration's immediate priority is ensuring public safety and providing food. He clarified that a list of affected panchayats is being prepared, and policy decisions will be taken through the monitoring committee following a proper review. Protecting lives and property is paramount during this disaster.

Providing details on relief and rescue operations, the Minister noted that NDRF teams are actively deployed in the flood-affected areas. Safe movement for residents is being ensured via boats so that there are no hurdles in carrying out essential tasks or handling emergencies—such as transporting pregnant women to hospitals. Additionally, community kitchens are being operated to prevent anyone from suffering due to a lack of food. The district administration, led by the DM and SP, is overseeing relief efforts, with continuous support from local public representatives and social activists.

Responding to regional issues and citizens' demands, the Minister affirmed that the government stands with the disaster victims with the utmost sensitivity. Regarding complaints about health services, he assured that any necessary requirements would be met immediately. Whether it involves the availability of mortuary vans or anti-venom injections, the administration is committed to strengthening these facilities. Addressing concerns regarding the soil erosion occurring in villages like Peeparpati, he stated that the current priority is to tackle the floods and evacuate people to safety. Measures to prevent erosion—such as boulder pitching—will be considered by the Water Resources Department and the Flood Control authorities once the situation normalizes. The government is fully alert to the situation; in the coming days, losses such as crop damage and house collapses will be assessed in a phased manner, and compensation will be ensured.

The Bhojpur district administration and the Bihar government are tackling this flood challenge with the utmost readiness. Reassuring the disaster-affected people, the administration stated that the situation is being continuously monitored and that no citizen will be left to face this crisis alone. Currently, the administration's entire focus is on rescue operations and the smooth distribution of relief materials. Shahpur BDO Shatrunjay Kumar Singh, CO Anand Prakash, and other officials were present on the occasion.