Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a high-level review of relief and rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Bihar on Wednesday, calling on officials to act swiftly and sensitively to assist affected communities. The meeting was held via video conferencing at the state secretariat, ‘Sankalp’, in Patna.
During the session, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, Pratyaya Amrit, briefed the Chief Minister on the latest situation. He reported that heavy rainfall along the Ganges had particularly affected ten districts—Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, and Katihar—impacting around 2.5 million people across 348 panchayats in 54 blocks.
Relief efforts have involved seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and nine State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, with 60 motorboats and 1,233 smaller boats engaged in rescue operations. So far, authorities have distributed more than 52,500 polythene sheets and 1,800 dry ration packets. Community kitchens have served over 1.3 million people, while provisions for animal fodder and medical care have also been arranged.
Kumar stressed the importance of remaining vigilant along riverbanks, where water levels continue to rise. “The administration must remain fully alert. Help must reach affected people as quickly as possible and with full sensitivity,” he said. He further instructed officials to ensure the rapid distribution of the gratuitous relief (GR) amount to flood-affected residents and to compensate farmers for crop damage. Restoration of flood-damaged roads was highlighted as a priority to ensure mobility and access.
The review included updates from various departments, including Water Resources, Agriculture, Road Construction, and Energy. District Magistrates from Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, and Patna provided detailed reports on local operations via video link.
Kumar noted, the government has consistently prioritised preparedness for natural disasters, reviewing potential flood, drought, and other emergency responses ahead of the monsoon season.
