CPI-ML DISTRIBUTED RELIEF MATERIALS TO FLOOD VICTIMS

CPI-ML DISTRIBUTED RELIEF MATERIALS TO FLOOD VICTIMS

23-SEP-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------The Bhojpur units of the CPI(ML) and the student-youth organizations AISA and RYA distributed relief materials to flood victims today. Relief teams visited the villages of Javainya and Bilauti—located in Shahpur, the district's worst-affected block—to distribute ration packets to needy villagers grappling with the twin crises of riverbank erosion and flooding. These packets contained rice, lentils (dal), potatoes, jaggery, biscuits, and matchboxes.

It is worth noting that approximately 10 blocks in Bhojpur are currently facing the disaster of floods and erosion. More than 24 people have drowned, and dozens of homes have been permanently lost to erosion. The floods have severely impacted the homes, roads, schools, agricultural land, and livelihoods of a large number of people, causing extensive loss of life and property.

CPI(ML) District Secretary Abhyuday termed the government's negligence in handling the flood disaster as "criminal," stating that amidst the massive loss of life and property, the government machinery is preoccupied with the misappropriation of disaster relief funds. Flood victims are not receiving compensation for their losses or for crop damage. Community kitchens and medical camps are largely non-functional. He remarked that Bihar's "double-engine" government prioritized spending thousands of crores on celebrations marking the Prime Minister's birthday over the needs of the people struggling in the floodwaters, effectively abandoning them to their fate. He added that memoranda have been submitted to the Chief Minister, demanding an acceleration of disaster relief efforts across various administrative levels. The relief team that arrived in Shahpur today was led by former CPI(ML) MLA Shivprakash Ranjan, along with AISA District President Vikas Kumar, AISA District Secretary Jayashankar Prasad, RYA District President Vishal Kumar, Roshan Kushwaha, Akhilesh Gupta, Sahil Arora, Vivek Kumar, Neetu Kumari, Muskan, Varsha, Sunny Deol, Amit Yadav, Ajit Paswan, Pradeep Kumar, Vivek Yadav, Sumit Kumar, Sagar Paswan, Vidyanivas, Golu Kumar, Uttam Kumar, Baiju Kushwaha, and others.

The flood relief distribution campaign will continue for three days. Teams from CPI(ML) and the student-youth organizations AISA and RYA will reach the Ara block tomorrow and the Barhara block the day after to distribute relief materials.

Compensation: Dependents of all those who died in the floods (25+) should be given ₹20 lakh each, and a special survey should be conducted to identify any deceased persons who were left out.

Omitted Families: Families left out of the 'Sampurti' portal list should be verified and added, and granted the ex-gratia amount. This includes past beneficiaries from 2016 and 2021, as well as families from Kalyanpur, Motirampur, and Narayanpur (the entire list from Ward 14) in Bihiya.

Relief Distribution: There should be an inquiry into discrimination and irregularities regarding the distribution of plastic kits and other materials; action should be taken against the guilty, and the distribution process must be transparent.

Boats: Adequate boats should be made available in affected villages, and their operation should be regularly monitored.

Community Kitchens: Kitchens should operate as needed in all needy areas of Bhakura, Pirauta, Jagvalia, and Basantpur panchayats, and kitchens that were closed down should remain operational for the next month.

Food Grains: Every affected family should receive food grains and essential supplies for at least three months. Electricity Bills: Domestic electricity bills for the flood period should be waived.

Roads and Bridges: A technical inspection and immediate repair should be carried out for the 56 submerged roads in Bhojpur (5 under PWD and 51 under the Rural Works Division, Ara) as well as the bridges and culverts. Schools: Immediate cleanup of school premises, removal of debris, and repair of damaged buildings. Crop Damage: A fair survey of all farmers—including sharecroppers—should be conducted, and appropriate compensation provided.

Piparpanti (Barhara): An inquiry should be held into the house collapses that occurred on the night of September 14, and affected families should receive financial assistance and safe rehabilitation. Seven impoverished families whose homes have either been swallowed by the Ganges or are on the verge of being lost to the river should be provided with 5 decimals of land each and ₹2.5 lakh each for housing.

Imadpur (Sahar): Families affected by erosion caused by the Son River should receive suitable land or compensation and rehabilitation.