Bihar chief minister meets PM as flood situation in state worsens

New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Tuesday as the flood situation in the state worsened following incessant rain in different parts and most of the rivers including the Ganga flowing the above their danger marks.

In addition to the holy river, all other major rivers – the Kosi, the Gandak and the Bagmati --- are in a high spate. Release of additional water by neighbouring Nepal and Jharkhand have added to the flood fury which has claimed 60 lives so far. Flood waters have entered low – lying areas of several towns including Patna.

Besides properties, this year’s floods have affected 29 lakh people and rendered two lakh residents homeless. Full assessment of the damage is yet to be made.

Modi had spoken to him on Monday and inquired about the flood situation in Bihar as alarming flood reports had reached him.

During the meeting with him, Nitish urged Modi to send an expert team to Farakka to solve the silting problem. Nitish said due to heavy deposit of silt at Farakka Bihar rivers’ water storage capacity has fallen, leading to inundation of low –lying areas.

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Before the Farakka barrage was built the silt used to flow down to the sea.

Modi has assured all possible help to the state in tiding over the crisis.