Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Bihar floods

The Prime Minister has done the right thing by declaring the floods in Bihar, caused by a breach in the Kosi embankment, a national calamity. Unfortunately, flood management seems to be nowhere in the agenda of governments. What is important now is to think of measures to prevent the recurrence of such a tragedy. If China could tame the ferocious Yangtze river, there is no reason why India cannot tame the Kosi or the Godavari. What is needed is a commitment to the cause.

R. Unni Krishnan,

Kochi

Every year, hundreds of people die, thousands become homeless and infrastructure worth millions is washed away in Bihar floods. By the time people overcome the trauma, the floods come raging again. Unfortunately, the Centre and the Bihar government are indifferent to the people’s plight. Instead of forestalling the calamity by constructing a dam, the administration remains a mute witness to the catastrophe.

Tejeshwi Sharma,

Stockholm

The Bihar government has neither the strategy nor the executive mechanism to manage the floods. The story is the same this year too — it begins with an aerial survey of the flooded areas by the Prime Minister and his entourage. It is followed by an announcement of financial and material relief by the Centre and some agencies. Whether it reaches the afflicted areas in time is a moot point.

Prem Chand,

New Delhi

I would like to draw the attention of all to the plight of over 30 lakh people, who are desperate for food, medicine and some empathy. I remember how when the tsunami struck, we college students helped in whatever small way we could through some NGOs. Sadly, I don’t see any such initiative from any quarter today to help the victims of Bihar floods. The media, too, have virtually ignored the tragedy. The discrimination is glaring when compared to the coverage given to the Mumbai deluge. Is this because Bihar is among the most backward States? I appeal to all Biharis living outside Bihar, holding responsible positions in government and the private sector, to help our destitute brothers and sisters.

Sanket Singh,

New Delhi

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