Disaster-hit people have first right over state treasury: CM

Patna: CM Nitish Kumar on Tuesday said people marooned in disasters have the first right over the state govt’s treasury.

Chairing the 13th meeting of the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) at Sankalp Sabhagar located at the chief minister’s residence at 1 Anne Marg here, Kumar urged all concerned agencies to work efficiently in disaster management and ensure timely assistance to affected people.

“The state govt is committed to providing help to disaster victims. We believe that disaster-marooned people have the first right over the state govt’s treasury,” said the CM.

Addressing the meeting, he added, “Since the formation of the new govt in the state on Nov 24, 2005, we have undertaken several initiatives for disaster management. Standard operating procedures were formulated for efficient management of disasters such as floods, drought, fire, earthquake and heatwave. Arrangements have been made for free food, cash grants, as well as crop damage grants, house damage grants and animal loss grants, for people affected by natural disasters.”

He said, “The offices of the disaster management department and the BSDMA have been set up, along with the home department, in the newly constructed Sardar Patel Bhawan. This is a modern and earthquake-resistant building. A helipad has been constructed on its roof, which can be used during emergencies. There is also a state-level disaster control centre here, which provides significant assistance in disaster management.”

Earlier, BSDMA vice chairman Udaykant made a presentation related to the authority in which the compliance report of decisions taken in the 12th meeting of the authority was discussed and the updated status was reviewed.

A short film based on the works of the BSDMA was presented before the chief minister. The CM also released the book ‘Bihar Ki Aapda Prabandhan Yatra’ on the occasion.

Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, water resources minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, disaster management minister Narayan Prasad and members of the BSDMA also attended the meeting.