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Further Discussion On Situation Arising Out Of Floods In Various Parts Of The ... on 29 August, 2007

> Title: Further discussion on situation arising out of floods in various parts of the country, raised by Shri Ananth Kumar on 14.08.07. (Discussion not concluded)   SHRI ADHIR CHOWDHURY (BERHAMPORE, WEST BENGAL): Sir, the situation arising out of floods has already hogged the lime light because 22 States of our country have been ravaged by the fury of flood.  In spite of our scientific and technological achievement, we are resigned to our fate when natural calamity appears before us. Insofar as flood is concerned, we do not have any mechanism to prevent it.  Rather, we can mitigate the sufferings arising out of floods and we can mitigate its intensity.  But it is the irony of fate that even after 60 years of Independence, crores of people of our country are prone to floods.  It has become a perennial problem.[R47]  However, no effective measures to control flood is in sight.

             Insofar as our country is concerned, out of the total geographical area covering a stretch of 329 million hectares, around 40 million hectares is flood prone and around 16.46 million hectares is considered to be having a reasonable degree of protection against flood.  It clearly vindicates that we are lagging behind in our efforts to prevent and control floods in our country.

            Sir, this year twenty States and one Union Territory has been severely affected by flood because of the early onset of the South-West monsoon this year. About 30,311 villages with a population of around 369.87 lakhs have been devasted and about 54.38 lakh hectares of cropland have been inundated; around 12 lakh houses have been damaged and 1643 human lives have been lost. I do not have the actual figures of the loss. The figures as given by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the prevailing flood situation in the country shows that Rs. 3214 lakhs worth of property have been lost in the flood. The actual rainy season  when large stretches of land in the State of West Bengal is normally inundated is impending. Eleven districts in the State have already been inundated. The services of Army men have been pressed into service to rescue the marooned people in the district of Midnapore and other districts of the State.  I do not know if the State Government of West Bengal is well equipped to deal with the impending flood.

            This year the State of Bihar has been very grievously affected by flood. West Bengal is the adjoining State of Bihar. The entire flood water of Bihar used to be discharged through the Ganga-Padma basin of West Bengal and naturally being a lower riparian State the State of West Bengal was destined to receive the entire flood water from the upper riparian States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. [R48]  Therefore, it beco[MSOffice49] mes an annual phenomenon in the State of West Bengal. Crores of people will be affected; the Minister will visit the flood affected areas; people will be hankering after relief materials and the State Government used to pass on the buck to the Central Government and thereafter, everything will subside.  

I would request the hon. Minister for Water Resources, Prof. Soz, who is very sensitive and well aware of the flood and erosion problem of West Bengal, to focus his attention on a long-term solution, precautionary measures and prevention of floods instead of providing relief under National Calamity Relief Fund which is also an essential part to the flood affected States.

In West Bengal, erosion has already gobbled up thousands of square kilometres of land. Geographical expression of the erosion-hit districts has been altered throughout Bhagirati and Padma Basin. Hundreds of people have been rendered landless.  When flood occurs, people used to become homeless but when erosion occurs, people are rendered landless. 

Therefore, I would request the Minister in charge of Water Resources to look into the flood and erosion situation including landslides which are occurring in the hilly areas of West Bengal so that a comprehensive mechanism could be devised as a long-term solution.

                                                                                                                                     

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I have a long list of names with me.  I would request you all to speak only for four to five minutes.

ADV. SURESH KURUP (KOTTAYAM):  Sir, Kerala has been devastated by the recent monsoon and floods. The rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad, and Palghat have witnessed heavy floods during this monsoon season.  The death toll is estimated as 233 people. That means 233 people have died due to this flood alone within a span of two months.  It is estimated that about 32,175 hectares of crop area have been affected causing an estimated loss of Rs. 14,303.16 lakhs.  

Sir, due to sea erosion, many people in the coastal areas have been affected and a lot of houses were damaged.  Due to landslides in the hilly areas, many people were affected. The sad part of it is that the Disaster Management Authority Act passed by this House does not include landslide and sea erosion as disasters.  That means, in a State like Kerala, during monsoon and other seasons, when landslides occur or when sea erosion occurs, people affected by those calamities will not be covered by the Disaster Management Authority Act.   This is a serious lacuna. 

I would request the Government to take urgent steps to correct it and a central team has als[MSOffice50] o visited Kerala. 

17.00 hrs. The Kerala Government has requested that an amount of Rs. 1,000 crore should be allotted to the State. But the thing is that initially from the Calamity Relief Fund Rs. 50 crore was allotted.  The allotment of funds from the Calamity Relief Fund is a natural thing. Every State is entitled to get amount from the Calamity Relief Fund. So after much pressure, reluctantly the Central Government has allotted Rs. 50 crore from the Natural Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF). That is a very small amount.  It is a pitiable amount compared to the huge loss caused to the State.

            Sir, the Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution and requested the Central Government that Rs. 250 crore should be released to the State immediately.  The actual amount released from both the Calamity Relief Fund and the Natural Calamity Contingency Fund is only Rs. 100 crore.  That is why the State cannot cope up with this small amount and face this sort of a natural calamity.   This amount is quite inadequate and this amount should be enhanced immediately.  I request our hon. Minister of Defence, Shri A.K. Antony, who is here and who is from Kerala and who knows personally the magnitude of the tragedy, to see to it that the amount requested by the Kerala Government is released immediately. He himself comes from the coastal area and he knows the seriousness of the situation due to landslide and sea erosion. 

            Sir, a total number of 1,781 houses were fully damaged and 39,200 houses were partially damaged. The damages occurred to the infrastructure like power supply, water supply, road transport, health sector and telecommunication etc. contribute a cumulative loss of Rs. 19,247.27 lakh. This is the official estimate of the Kerala Government. 

            Sir apart from this, the contagious diseases like Chikunguniya and other fevers are there in almost all the districts of Kerala, especially in the Central Travancore.  The people who are affected by this disease are totally bed-ridden and those people who are fully healthy are not able to go to work for at least two or three months. So this is a very serious situation. The Central Government should immediately investigate the cause of this disease.  What is commonly said is that mutative viruses have caused this disease. What is the cause of this virus and how this virus developed?   So only with the help of the Central Government, the State Government can face this tragedy.  I would request the Central Government that considering the urgent situation -- the request of the Government of Kerala and also of all the political parties of Kerala -- an enhanced amount should be released to the State of Kerala to face this situation.

           

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Parties time has already finished. I have a very long list.  I request Shri Prahlad Joshi to conclude within three or four minutes.  You can see the watch.

 

SHRI PRAHLAD JOSHI (DHARWAD NORTH): Sir nobody has spoken, except Shri Ananth Kumar, from my State.

            Sir, thank you very much for giving this opportunity. All these years we used to witness the debate about floods in the Parliament.   But Karnataka at least from last four or five years was suffering from drought and this year it is suffering with flood and there are unprecedented floods in the entire State[a51] .

There is 54 per cent departure from the usual rainfall. Out of the 176 taluks in the entire State, 146 taluks have been affected by the floods. The effect of the flood is so much that it is only within three days that a record rainfall occurred. Almost all the districts in the State have been affected by the heavy rainfall and floods. The rainfall in June was characterised as exceptionally strong winds. More than 200 deaths occurred. Out of them, 57 were due to heavy rains and 37 were due to lightning and others due to floods. The coastal districts of Udupi, Uttara Kannada recorded heavy rainfall on 23rd, 24th and 30th. Only in just three days, it caused a lot of havoc.

            I come from northern interior Karnataka that comprises 11 districts. Generally, there used to be 22 mm rainfall. But this year, it is so much that in some cases, it is more than the usual rainfall. In Koppala, it is more. In Bhagalkot, it is more than 607 per cent departure. In Bellary, it is 508 per cent departure; in Bijapur, it is 450 per cent departure; in Gulbarga, it is 326 per cent departure; in Belgaum, it is 326 per cent; in Gadag, it is 300 per cent departure and in Dharwad, it is more than 300 per cent departure. Karnataka never experienced such a huge rainfall. So, in this context,  I would submit that after this, more than 146 taluks have been affected. As I have already told, more than 11 lakh population has been affected. About 1412 villages have been affected and 22 lakh houses have been damaged. The crop loss is to the tune of  1,84,00,000 hectares. It is such a huge damage that the Karnataka Government has already submitted a Memorandum to the Government of India and to the Home Minister. When Shri Ananth Kumar initiated the debate in this House, the hon. Home Minister intervened and said: “We have already given money out of the CRF.”  That is what the hon. Home Minister said. I am sorry to say that Government of India has not been able to sense the gravity of the situation. After all the exercise, after submitting the Memorandum, so far, except from the CRF, the Government of Karnataka has not got it. Whether it is the Karnataka Government or for that matter any State Government, it is the regular fund which they are to get. From 2005 to 2010, Karnataka Government has to get Rs.633 crore. Out of that, only Rs.126 crore it was supposed to get this year. Out of that, whatever is given before April has been given as advance because of last year’s drought and floods. Though there was drought in the entire State, Maharashtra Government released water from Koyna dam. That is why, in the border district, there was flood last year, for which assistance was asked. The fund from CRF  was released in advance. What I say is that the CRF is a regular Fund. It is given in advance. I thank you for that. But after this worst situation, the Karnataka Government has demanded Rs.500 crore as immediate relief out of the NCCF. I demand from the Central Government that it should immediately release the fund.

 

17.09 hrs.                              (Shri Arjun Sethi  in the Chair)             Another thing is – it has already been quoted – that the Central Team visited Karnataka State and made a tour. But, I am sorry to say on the floor of this House that the Central Team, though visited some parts, yet it had not visited the major affected taluks. One is Raibag Taluk in Belgaum district. The Team had gone up to Belgaum. The entire taluk was affected. It has not visited a single village in the Taluk. It is not only that. It had visited Athani. The entire taluk was affected. It had visited only three or four villages.[R52]              The approach of the Central team was very casual and they have not submitted their report so far. Almost all the districts in Karnataka have been affected by floods, but they have visited only three or four districts. Out of that, they visited only one or two taluks in each district. With this, they cannot prepare a proper report and submit to the Government. So, ultimately the people of Karnataka are the sufferers. So, I demand that the Central Government should get the report immediately or they should not wait for the report to sanction the relief, but to immediately sanction some relief till the actual damage is assessed. This has been done in the case of Kerala. They have released some nominal fund from NCCF to Kerala. Why have they not done that in the case of Karnataka? Why is this discrimination towards Karnataka? They have released Rs. 50 crore to Kerala, but they have not released a single rupee to Karnataka.

MR. CHAIRMAN : Please conclude.

SHRI PRAHLAD JOSHI : Sir, such a heavy rainfall and floods have occurred for the first time in Karnataka. So, I need some more time.

MR. CHAIRMAN: You can lay the remaining part of your speech on the Table of the House.

SHRI PRAHLAD JOSHI : All right, Sir. I will make only one demand and then I will lay the remaining part of my speech on the Table of the House.

            I demand that the Central Government should immediately release Rs. 500 crore to the State of Karnataka. Then, subsequent to the award of the 12th Finance Commission and recommendations made by the Expert Group, they have revised the guidelines governing release of money from the CRF. But as far as compensation given for loss of crop due to floods is concerned, it has been increased from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 per hectare. This is not enough. So, I demand that this has to be made Rs. 2,000 per acre. This has to be kept in mind. Finally, I demand that Rs. 500 should be released to Karnataka immediately.

            [R53] *I would like to make a suggestion to the Government. Presently, there is no provision in disaster assessment and relative compensation payment system for paying compensation to farmers for the loss of agricultural crops due to heavy rains without assessing the situation of the flood. So, I suggest that the Government should formulate some policy to provide compensation to such crop loss and save the farmers from the worst situation.

            There is, of course, a need for getting the situation and damage assessed by an Inter-Ministerial Central Team. But I suggest that pending the actual report, the Government still can consider releasing some portion of the funds on the basis of the requests made by the concerned States.

            In view of the above, I, once again, request the Government to release funds forthwith as requested by the Government of Karnataka under NCCF.*     श्री राम कृपाल यादव (पटना)  : माननीय सभापति जी, सबसे पहले मैं आपका आभार व्यक्त करूंगा कि इतने महत्वपूर्ण बाढ़ के विषय पर चर्चा में मुझे बोलने की अनुमति प्रदान की।

            महोदय, वैसे तो पूरे देश में कई ऐसे राज्य हैं जो बाढ़ से ग्रसित हैं और परेशानियों का सामना वहां के लोगों को करना पड़ता है, मगर हम खास तौर से अपने बिहार के बारे में चर्चा करेंगे जहां से मैं आता हूँ। बिहार में आज तक भी लोग बाढ़ के कारण त्राहिमाम कर रहे हैं। बिहार में मेरे संसदीय क्षेत्र पटना सहित लगभग 28 ज़िलों में बाढ़ आई है। पूरे इलाके में लगभग 500 लोगों की जानें गई हैं और न जाने कितने जानवर बह गए हैं। गांव के गांव तहस-नहस हो गए हैं। लाखों की संख्या में मकान वहां ढह गए हैं और आम लोगों का जीना दूभर हो गया है। दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण स्थिति यह है कि प्रति वर्ष बाढ़ हमारे बिहार में आती है, खास तौर से जब नेपाल से पानी आता है तो हमारे यहां तबाही हो जाती है। हमारे यहां जो नदियां हैं, उनमें भी बाढ़ आती है। पुनपुन, गंगा, बूढ़ी गंडक और कई नदियों में जब बाढ़ आती है तो हर साल भारी तबाही होती है। हमारे यहां मुख्य समस्या नेपाल से पानी आने की है। जब तक नेपाल पर हाई डैम नहीं बनाया जाएगा, तब तक स्थिति नियंत्रित नहीं होगी।

            सभापति जी, मैं किसी सरकार की निन्दा नहीं कर रहा हूं, लेकिन मैं आपको वस्तुस्थिति के संबंध में जानकारी देना चाहता हूँ कि इस बार पहली बार ऐसा हुआ है कि जब बाढ़ से पहले जो तैयारियां की जानी चाहिए थी, वे नहीं हो पाईं। न तटबंधों की मरम्मत हो सकी, न और काम हुए। मैं केन्द्र सरकार के सिंचाई मंत्री और सिंचाई राज्य मंत्री जी का अभार व्यक्त करना चाहता हूं जिनके प्रयासों से बहुत सारी राशि आबंटित की गई है। मेरे क्षेत्र में पुनपुन बैराज की मरम्मत के लिए, उसके तटबंध को मज़बूत करने के लिए 199 करोड़ रुपये और बागमती तटबंध की मरम्मत के लिए 788 करोड़ रुपये का प्रावधान 11वीं योजना में किया गया है। [H54]              महानंदा तटबंध पर लगभग 855 करोड़ रुपया और लगभग 500 करोड़ से अधिक रुपया दिया गया लेकिन दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है कि पैसे का सदुपयोग नहीं हुआ, उपयोगिता प्रमाण-पत्र भी नहीं दिया गया, बाकी राज्यों को केन्द्र सरकार ने पैसा दिया। मैं विशेष तौर पर राज्य मंत्री श्री जयप्रकाश जी के प्रति आभार व्यक्त करता हूं जिनके प्रयास से राशि दी जाती रही है। मैं आगे की स्थिति के बारे में बताना चाहता हूं कि पहली बार बाढ़ से पहले और बाद में जो राहत कार्य की व्यवस्था होनी चाहिए थी, वह नहीं हो सकी, वहां की सरकार विफल साबित हुई है। दुर्भाग्य की बात है कि जब बाढ़ आई हुई थी तब वहां के माननीय मुख्यमंत्री जी विदेश यात्रा कर रहे थे। उनको चिंता नहीं है कि बिहार का आवाम किस तरह से बाढ़ आने के बाद जी रहा है और वे बाढ़ के रहते चले गए। मैं माननीय गृह मंत्री जी, माननीय सोनिया जी और हमारे नेता माननीय लालू जी का धन्यवाद करना चाहता हूं कि उन्होंने विशेष तौर पर मुआयना किया और सरकार को कहा कि आप मांगे क्या मांगना चाहते हैं, हम देने को तैयार हैं। उनके नहीं मांगने के बावजूद भारत सरकार ने लगभग 174 करोड़ रुपया आबंटित किया। आज भी डोमेस्टिक ढंग से राशन दिया जा रहा है। वहां मिनिमम जरूरतों में तिरपाल की भी व्यवस्था नहीं हो पा रही है। वहां पूरे तौर से लोग तंगहाली की स्थिति में हैं और त्राहि-त्राहि कर रहे हैं। मेरा क्षेत्र बहुत बड़ा इलाका है, दानापुर में 50,000 से अधिक लोग जीवन बसर करते हैं। हर साल कटाव को रोकने के लिए भारत सरकार के सहयोग से राशि आबंटित की जाती थी, लेकिन दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण स्थिति है कि वह स्कीम चल रही है, कासिमचक से नटकादियारा का इलाका, जहां बड़े पैमाने पर कटाव हो रहा है, लोग परेशानी की हालत में है। यह पहली बार है कि वहां के बचाव के लिए एक भी पैसा नहीं दिया गया। जब प्रस्ताव नहीं आएगा तो सरकार कैसे पैसे आबंटित करेगी, मैं समझता हूं कि वहां की सरकार बाढ़ नियंत्रण करने के मामले में विफल साबित हुई है। वहां सरकार को अस्थायी और स्थायी स्टेप लेने चाहिए, मैं पुनः धन्यवाद करना चाहता हूं, जैसाकि मैंने पहले बताया कि नेपाल से पानी आता है और उत्तर बिहार के लगभग 19 जिले प्रभावित होते हैं और तबाह हो जाते हैं। वहां हर साल हजारों करोड़ रुपए की क्षति होती है। जब तक नेपाल से आने वाले पानी के लिए हाई डैम नहीं बनेगा तब तक इसका समाधान नहीं निकलेगा और लोग इसी तरह से मौत के मुंह में जाते रहेंगे, हजारों करोड़ रुपए की बर्बादी होती रहेगी, लोग बेघर होते रहेंगे, जानवर मरते रहेंगे। माननीय सिंचाई मंत्री बैठे हैं, वे बहुत जागरूक और संवेदनशील हैं, मैं समझता हूं कि उन्होंने एक स्टेप लिया है और वहां पर हाई डैम के लिए डीपीआर बनाने के लिए राशि आबंटित की है और 64 करोड़ रुपया आबंटित किया है, वहां अधिकारी काम कर रहे है। मैं उनका धन्यवाद करता हूं लेकिन इस काम में तेजी लाने की आवश्यकता है। यह अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मामला है, यह राज्य का मामला नहीं है, केंद्र सरकार पहल करे और माननीय सिंचाई राज्य मंत्री जी तुंत हाई डैम बनाने का काम शुरू करें ताकि अस्थायी समाधान हो सके। बिहार में करोड़ों रुपए की क्षति जो आवाम के साथ हो रही है, इसे रोकने के लिए पहल करने का काम करें। वहां निचले इलाकों में पानी जम जाता है, इसे निकालने की व्यवस्था होनी चाहिए। माननीय सिंचाई मंत्री जी, आप बिहार चलें, वहां आवश्यकता है। मैं हाथ जोड़ कर प्रार्थना करना चाहता हूं कि बिहार गरीब है, बदहाली में जी रहा है। पूरे देश की स्थिति से बिहार की स्थिति उल्टी है, आप बिहार के लोगों की प्रति व्यक्ति आमदनी देखें। आप खुद जानते हें, पुराने आदमी हैं[r55] । आप तो स्वयं वहां देखते रहे हैं। यह हमारा सौभाग्य है कि आप हमारे राज्य मंत्री हैं। मेरा आपसे आग्रह है कि आप वहां एक मीटिंग आयोजित कराइए और राज्य सरकार के साथ मिल-बैठ कर एक ठोस उपाय निकालने का काम कीजिए, ताकि बाढ़ प्रभावित लोग इस समस्या से निकल सकें।

            सभापति महोदय, मैं बताना चाहता हूं कि मेरी अपनी कांस्टीटय़ूंसी पटना है। पटना शहर भी है और बिहार की राजधानी है। पटना के जिल्ला और टाल क्षेत्र हैं। टाल क्षेत्र में दाल बहुत बड़े पैमाने पर होती है। दाल की हमारे यहां कमी है। यदि उस टाल क्षेत्र में सिंचाई हेतु पानी की व्यवस्था कर दी जाए, तो पूरे बिहार को वह दाल सप्लाई कर सकता है। इसी प्रकार से जिल्ला क्षेत्र में अन्न बहुत पैदा होता है, लेकिन पटना शहर का पानी जिल्ला क्षेत्र में चला जाता है और वहां कुछ नहीं हो पाता है। उसके वहां से निकलने की कोई व्यवस्था नहीं है। आज भी वहां पानी भरा हुआ है।

            महोदय, मैं आपके माध्यम से निवेदन करना चाहूंगा कि जल संसाधन विभाग, गृह मंत्रालय और विदेश मंत्रालय, तीनों मिलकर, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर डैम बनाने के लिए जो बात होनी है, उसमें पहल करें। माननीय प्रधान मंत्री जी यहां उपस्थित नहीं हैं, हो सकता है, वे मेरी बात सुन रहे हों, मैं उनसे निवेदन करूंगा कि वे नोडल मिनिस्ट्री बनाकर एक पहल करें जिससे डैम बन सके, स्थायी रूप से बाढ़ नियंत्रित हो सके और लोगों को इससे राहत मिल सके।

            महोदय, मैं निवेदन कर रहा था कि आप सब लोग जानते हैं कि बिहार किस स्थिति से गुजर रहा है। मैं आपसे निवेदन करना चाहता हूं कि बिहार में बहुत श्रम शक्ति, क्षमता और उपजाऊ भूमि है। मैं समझता हूं कि आपके उड़ीसा की भी यही स्थिति है। हो सकता है कि हमारे यहां उड़ीसा से कुछ कम हो, लेकिन दोनों की स्थिति वही है। हमारे लोग कमाऊ लोग हैं। यदि वहां व्यवस्थित ढंग से सिंचाई की व्यवस्था कर दी जाए और बाढ़ को नियंत्रित कर दिया जाए, तो बिहार के लोगों में और वहां की जमीन में इतनी क्षमता है कि वह बिहार को ही नहीं, बल्कि पूरे देश को अन्न खिला सकता है। बस इसके लिए प्रयास करने की आवश्यकता है।

            महोदय, अन्त में, मैं केवल यही निवेदन करूंगा कि वहां की राज्य सरकार बिलकुल लापरवाह है। उसने आम लोगों की चिन्ता नहीं है। वहां अव्यवस्था है और पूरी तरह से बिहार की सरकार फेल्योर साबित हुई है। निश्चित रूप से ऐसी सरकार को जाना चाहिए। कोई रिलीफ नहीं दी गई है। दियासलाई नहीं है। मोमबत्ती नहीं है। (Interruptions)* मुझे केन्द्र सरकार पर विश्वास है और भरोसा है कि जिस प्रकार से आप बिहार से राज्य मंत्री बनकर आए हैं, आपने बड़े पैमाने पर बिहार को मदद करने का काम किया है और आगे भी आप ऐसा करते रहेंगे। आप बिहार की गरीबी को दूर करने के लिए, वहां के पिछड़ेपन को दूर करने के लिए और धन देने का काम करेंगे।

 

*Not recorded.

            महोदय, अन्त में मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि वर्षा को, नदियों को एक यूनिट बनाकर के जल प्रबन्धन करने का काम कीजिए, ताकि सिंचाई क्षमता बढ़े और आम लोगों को सुविधा मिले। इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ, मैं फिर केन्द्र सरकार से विनती करता हूं कि वह आवश्यक कदम उठाएगी और लोगों को निश्चित तौर पर राहत देगी। बिहार के गरीब किसानों की बहुत क्षति हुई है। गृह मंत्री जी, आप कहां चले गए थे। मैं आपसे निवेदन करना चाहता हूं कि बिहार की सरकार ने यदि प्रपोजल नहीं भी भेजा है, तो भी आप अपनी ओर से मुआयना कीजिए और उन्हें राहत दीजिए, मुआवजा दीजिए और बिहार के साथ न्याय कीजिए। आपने मुझे बोलने के लिए समय दिया, इसलिए सभापति जी आपका बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।

                                                                                                             

सभापति महोदय : बिहार के चीफ मिनिस्टर के बारे में जो भी बातें माननीय सदस्य ने कही हैं, उन्हें रिकॉर्ड से निकाल दिया जाए।

   

[r56]      SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN (DHUBRI): Mr. Chairman, Sir, we are discussing here about the flood situation all over India, and I am thankful for giving me an opportunity to participate in the discussion.

            Sir, the first wave of flood in Assam came in the month of June.  The entire Barak Valley, consisting of three districts namely Silchar, Karimganj and Hailakandi, was affected.  In the second wave, which began on 2nd July, Dhemaji district was badly affected.[r57]              Up to 7th August, 2007, 26 districts out of the total 27 districts were affected.  Sir, the Government of Assam successfully made rescue and rehabilitation operations.  The UPA Chairperson, Shrimati Sonia Gandhi and the hon. Home Minister visited the State and they met the affected people in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji.  They also made an aerial survey of the affected areas. Now, the third flash flood also appeared in the third week of August. 

            Sir, in short, the Ministry of Home Affairs circulated a booklet incorporating the damages.  I am sorry to say that what they mentioned here is not the true picture. In Annexure I, they have said about Assam and other States.  

            The total damages are as follows: number of districts affected – 26 (out of total 27 districts); number of villages affected – 5,946; population affected – 67.48 lakh; loss of human lives – 37; area affected 8.28 lakh hectares; crop area affected – 3.55 lakh hectares; number of houses damaged – 10,091 and number of partially damaged houses – 50,000; number of breaches to embankments – 69; number of PWD roads damaged – 773; number of Semi-permanent Timber bridges damaged – 66; RCC bridge approaches damaged – 25; number of breaches on PWD roads – 54; etc.             So, these are the figures but the booklet that they have circulated contains nothing.  So, I think, the Home Ministry has underestimated the losses and I have quoted here a few figures.

            Now, regarding the distribution of relief, we are really proud of the Chief Minister because he has taken every effort.  Sir, I give a comparative figure.

MR. CHAIRMAN : Now, you have a very little time. 

SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN : I am giving an example.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Giving examples will consume more time.  Please give your suggestions now.

SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN : After quoting the example, I would give my suggestions.

            In Assam, about 40,000 people were evacuated and in Bihar, about 80,000 people were evacuated.  In the case of relief, you kindly see the activities of both the Governments.  For 40,000 people, the Assam Government gave 92,296 quintals of rice but for 80,000 people, the Bihar Government gave only 7,000 quintals.  This is the behaviour of the Government of Bihar in the case of distribution of relief.  So, I am equally concerned with the Members from Bihar that the Bihar Government did not do justice to the flood victims.

            Now, actually the neighbouring State, Arunachal Pradesh is one of the reasons for flood in Assam, and when Bhutan leaves water, it causes flood in Assam.  Arunachal Pradesh is in our country and Bhutan is a foreign country.[R58]  Therefore, the  Ministry of External Affairs and other related Ministries  should have some dialogues so that Bhutan does not let their water go; and the national dams etc., should be created there.

            In Arunachal Pradesh, it is our Government.   They are creating havoc.  So, in that case, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh should be consulted.

            Sir, in 2004, our hon. Prime Minister visited Assam.  He made a promise there that a permanent solution of floods and soil erosions would be found out.

MR. CHAIRMAN :  Please conclude now.

SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN :  Sir, he declared that a Committee has been formed.  But I am sorry to say that three years have passed and till this date, the Ministry of Water Resources has totally  failed to carry out the promise, which was made by the hon. Prime Minister.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Mr. Hussain, you may lay your speech, if you have got the written papers.

SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN : No, Sir. there is only one more point for me to add.

MR. CHAIRMAN: There are so many speakers yet to speak.  

SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN :  Sir, you are disturbing me… (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN: I am not disturbing you.  A number of other speakers are there.  We have to accommodate them also.

SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN : I am concluding, Sir.

            I was telling that the Ministry of Water Resources did not do anything  on what our hon. Prime Minister declared in 2004-05. Therefore, I would like to request the hon. Minister  that while replying, he should tell what steps have been taken regarding having a permanent solution to floods and erosions in Assam, which was promised by the hon. Prime Minister in 2004.

            I am on my last point.  We have the Brahamaputra Board, but  it is an ad hoc Board.  When Mr. Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi was the Minister of Water Resources, he promised that the Act would be amended.  But after his exit from the Ministry of Water Resources, nothing has been done in this regard.  The Chairman of the Brahmaputra Board is on deputation and he is getting extension. He has retired and the Ministry is giving him only  extension. This way, this Brahmaputra Board has become functionless.  I would request the hon. Minister to take necessary action to amend the Act of Brahmaputra Board and also see that the the Chairman and Executive Engineer are posted there on permanent basis and not on deputation.  This has done a great damage to our State.

            With these few words, I conclude.

PROF. M. RAMADASS (PONDICHERRY):  Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Sir, for the opportunity given to speak on this very important issue that this House has taken up.

            As many hon. Members have already said  the flood situation in the country is very grim, and about 20 States have been affected.  Among these States, the worst affected States are Bihar, UP, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharasahtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka. The United Nations has described the flood situation in India as the worst in the living memory. So far, 1,500 lives have been lost; 69,842 livestock dead and about 330.99 lakh people have been affected; 6.4 lakh houses have been damaged; and the estimated monetary loss is about Rs. 1,466.58 crore.          

            More important than these losses, is the damage that has been done to the crops.  The damage to the standing crops in various States has been enormous, which has reduced the scope of our efforts at stepping up the productivity in agriculture and also accelerating agricultural growth  by four per cent during the 11th Five year Plan.[r59]              Agriculture is still a gamble in the monsoon, and we have not been able to overcome this because of the recurrent floods. The floods have washed away the wealth of the people. The most important factor or the cause for the recurrence of the flood is the change in climate that is coming up. The differing impacts of these changes have not yet been mapped through the global warming system. Therefore, our biggest challenge, the Government’s challenge is in responding to such uncertainties that we are facing today. To address that risk, we have to start assembling and creating data and putting it in the public domain at once.

The Government has to be appreciated for setting up of the National Flood Management Commission which will do yeoman’s service in the management of the floods that are likely to come up in the future. The Government should definitely provide relief operations whenever such exigencies come. But before we provide these relief operations, we would be doing a lot of savings in terms of money and resources if we can take up preventive measures rather than resorting to the relief measures. Today, whenever floods come, we are only just spectators. When the floods come, we rush teams. We send helicopters. We send men to rescue these people. But why are we not able to set up the system which would enable us to tell us or forewarn the type of floods?

According to an estimate, out of the country’s total geographical area of 329 million hectares, about 40 million hectares of area is prone to floods. The Government claims that it has provided 16.46 million hectares with a reasonable degree of protection against floods by construction of embankments, drainage channels, town protection works, etc.  All these are important matters that the Government is doing. But what the Government is going to do for the remaining area of 24 million hectares for forecasting?

MR. CHAIRMAN : You have a very limited time.

PROF. M. RAMADASS : Yes, Sir. I will take only two minutes.

            India claims to have the third largest reservoir of technical and scientific manpower but still we have not been able to address this issue of forewarning and forecasting the flood situation. If something substantial can be done in this area by pooling our scientific talents and minds, we would be able to prevent this kind of a disaster that has been coming in the various ways. Now, we think that money is important to provide relief but more important than the money is the institutions that we will have to develop at all levels so that the money that is spent doing the relief operations reaches or percolates the really deserving people during the flood.

            Sir, at the time of Tsunami, which was one of the worst disasters that we had, we found that the Government was able to rush relief but when all the relief was diverted or distributed to the local body institutions, they were able to spend about 80 to 90 per cent of the money that had been given by the Government. Therefore, in such situation of disaster or calamities, the Government should devise a mechanism by which we are able to do better service to the people. The Meteorological Department has to be properly restructured so that we are able to get good results.

            Therefore, the flood situation in the country is a recurring phenomenon and we will have to take permanent measures by getting even the assistance of the international community in this regard. Only by such steps of durable nature, we would be able to save this country from the onslaught of the floods. Therefore, the Government must look seriously at it.

            Our hon. Minister for Water Resources has already initiated a number of bold steps and he should continue with those steps so that this country is saved from the ravages of the flood situation.

SHRI NARAYAN CHANDRA BORKATAKY (MANGALDOI): Sir, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity.

            Flood in Assam is a regular feature. Every year flood causes huge damages to the farmers, particularly their paddy fields are inundated. Most of the time, the water comes from the Brahmaputra and its tributaries which are originating from the neighbouring hill States, Himalayan ranges, Arunachal Pradesh and even from Bhutan[MSOffice60] . 

            When the flood water comes, what happens normally is that most of the rivers get shallow because they carry a lot of silt with them. No dredging etc. is done. Stop-gap arrangements are made only after the floods. Some funds are released from here from the Natural Calamity Relief Fund. There is no permanent solution and nobody is planning about the water management.

            When Assam is flooded by water, some areas in the country are suffering for want of water. There was a plan during the NDA regime about inter-linking of rivers. That may be considered again. Honestly, that may help us because water is a resource. But water is now becoming a cause of sorrow for us.

            Sir, since the time given to me is very short, I am giving only a few suggestions. Majuli is the biggest river island in the world. It is situated in Assam. After floods, erosion takes place. Because of this, this island is becoming smaller and smaller and after some time it may become extinct also. There was a plan for declaring it as a world heritage site. This is the place where the original culture of Assam developed and the Vaishnava Satras are there. All these are going to be no longer in existence if this problem is not properly taken care of.

            Eighty per cent of the people of Assam are farmers. When their paddy fields are inundated  by flood water, when their seedlings and seeds are damaged, some immediate steps are to be taken. The floods come every year. But what is the after-effect of the flood? The after-effect of the flood is so acute that the farmers do not get their seedlings. Some time planting period has already been passed by. The paddy fields are filled by sandy soil. Some school buildings are completely filled up by muddy water etc. and the schools are closed for longer time. There are damages to roads and bridges etc.             So much of statistics have been given by my colleague from the Treasury Benches, I do not like to counter all those things because the statistics are almost the same. Last year some 35 persons have died. And 67.5 lakh hectares of land has been damaged.

            All these things are there. There should be a concrete planning, a master plan. The floods should be declared as a national problem. No State Government can take care of the floods because it requires a huge amount of money. Every year we spend so much of money in relief and rehabilitation measures. These astronomical sums of money are spent but with no result. My suggestion is that there should be a composite plan to tame the rivers and to use the water as a resource.

            In my constituency, the Pagladia project was sanctioned long time back. However, that has not been implemented. It has already been sanctioned by the Government of India. I do not know, maybe for political reasons, this is still pending.

The floods are caused by release of water from the hydel projects of Bhutan. There is a hydel project on Kurichu river in Bhutan. It discharges a lot of water this time and that has caused flood effect in the entire lower Assam, suffered twice because of release of water. There should be some discussion with Bhutan Government at GOI level because that is a different country. There should be an immediate discussion with the Government of Bhutan.

            In a sense, floods are not taken as seriously as they should have been taken. This is a great problem for the entire country. I have spoken only about Assam. Earlier Assam was the only place which was suffering mostly from floods and other States were not suffering by the floods that way. Now floods are caused everywhere. Even the Mumbai city was also flooded. Everyone is now thinking about this. Floods should be considered very seriously and I would request the hon. Minister to kindly see that the Pagladia project is executed. It should not be considered on  political reason.

            With these words, I conclude.

[MSOffice61]  SHRIMATI P. SATHEEDEVI (BADAGARA): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to speak on this issue.

            The South-West monsoon had really battered the State of Kerala, and it has put thousands of people to untold miseries. The condition required massive relief and rehabilitation measures in the State of Kerala. The northern and central districts of Kerala were the worst affected areas due to the incessant rains followed by flood, heavy winds and landslides. The districts of Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargod, Thrissur, and Idukki received a total rainfall of about 1,700 mm between June 01 and 20 July 2007. Many people have died due to landslides in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kasargod and Idukki districts. The death-toll that was reported was 233 as on 24/07/2007. Thousands of people were injured and hospitalized. It was only because of the massive relief measures adopted by the local bodies and voluntary organizations that life of a large number of people could be saved. About 2,000 houses were fully wiped out, and about 50,000 houses were partially damaged.

            The entire State was drastically affected due to the damages caused to infrastructure like power-supply, water-supply, road transport, health sector, telecommunications, etc. The cumulative loss is estimated at Rs. 19,247 lakh. More than two lakh people were evacuated to safer relief camps. The damages that had occurred to the State of Kerala cannot be calculated in monetary terms as the entire agricultural crops were ruined in some places. The traditional industries like handloom, coir, khadi, etc. were also drastically affected. The fisheries sector has also faced huge crisis and heavy losses.

            The Government has fixed certain norms for providing financial assistance to the State Governments in situations arising due to natural calamities. These norms were fixed some years back, and some minor changes were made in the prescribed norms very recently. The revenue officials calculate the damage caused -- whenever there is any loss to the lives and damage to the property due to natural calamities -- according to the norms prescribed by the Government that has been prevailing for all these years. The amount that is being calculated as per the prescribed norms is not at all proportionate with the actual loss that has occurred. The actual loss will be far more than the amount that is provided as per the prescribed norms.

            The status of living of the people and the infrastructural development in the rural areas has improved very much during the last few years. Therefore, the loss of life and property will be exorbitant when natural calamities occur. The threat of natural calamities by way of flood, drought, sea-erosion, Tsunami, landslides, earthquakes, etc. is on an increase during the last several years. But the Government has not considered all these type of calamities as natural calamities. Actually, no relief is allowed under the prescribed norms in the case of landslides and sea-erosion. Therefore, our humble request to the hon. Minister is to consider including these calamities in the prescribed list of natural calamities, and provide financial assistance in case of loss incurred due to such natural calamities also.

            As per the norms of the Central Government, the loss is calculated based on the affected area of land. For example, Rs. 6,000 is the prescribed rate for one hectare of coconut plantation.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Madam, if you have the written speech with you, then you can lay it on the Table of the House.

SHRIMATI P. SATHEEDEVI : Sir, in the State of Kerala, probably 70 coconut trees could be planted in one hectare of land. Naturally, an amount of Rs. 35 will be provided as per the prescribed norms for one coconut tree.[r62]  Similarly, in the case of areca-nut plantations, for one hectare of plantation, Rs. 1000 has been provided as per the prescribed norms. It will come to Rs. 6 per tree. In the case of banana plantation, Rs. 4000 is the prescribed rate per hectare, and one plant will be getting only Rs. 1.5. In the case of banana plantation, one sapling itself will cost Rs. 5, and the production cost will be Rs. 65 per plant.

            Hence, considering the increase in the production cost, my humble request is that the present prescribed norms should be changed immediately.

            In the case of residential buildings, the hon. Minister has stated the other day that the compensation amount has been increased from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000. Even this amount of Rs. 25,000 is quite meagre. Therefore, my humble request is that the norms prescribed by the Government have to be changed immediately.

The relief claimed by the State Government is very reasonable considering the huge calamity which affected the State of Kerala. The amount claimed by the State Government, that is, Rs. 1000 crore may be given, and the Central Government may consider the problems that our State is facing. The State Government is not in a position even to provide ration to the people. Considering this issue, the Central Government should act immediately and change the prescribed norms fixed some long years back.

श्री सूरज सिंह (बलिया, बिहार): सभापति जी, गत वर्ष की भांति इस वर्ष भी बिहार बाढ़ के प्रकोप से तहस-नहस हो गया है। यूएनओ का कहना है कि इस वर्ष बाढ़ का प्रकोप सबसे अधिक रहा है। देश के कई राज्यों जैसे, बिहार, उड़ीसा, गुजरात, राजस्थान, उत्तर प्रदेश एवम् आंध्र प्रदेश आदि राज्यों में बाढ़ से 1,460 करोड़ रुपए की आर्थिक क्षति हुई है, करीब 70,000 मवेशियों का नुकसान हुआ है और 1500 लोगों की जान गई है। अकेले बिहार में चार से पांच लाख लोगों के घर बाढ़ के कारण बह गए हैं। सरकार द्वारा बाढ़ से राहत पहुंचाने के लिए आबंटित 4,259 करोड़ रुपए की राशि की जो व्यवस्था की गई है, उसमें से बहुत कम राशि बिहार को दी जा रही है।

            नेपाल से आने वाली नदियों में इस वर्ष तीन लाख क्यूबिक मीटर अतिरिक्त जल बिहार में आया है। नेपाल से आने वाली कमला बालान, गंडक, कोसी, महानंदा आदि नदियों के कारण बिहार में हर साल बाढ़ आती है। ये नदियां अभी तक खतरे के निशान से ऊपर बह रही हैं। खासकर हमारे क्षेत्र में बाढ़ से भयंकर तबाही हुई है। बेगूसराय इलाके में तो नदी का बांध टूट जाने के कारण सैंकड़ों गांव बह गए, जिनमें से पानी निकलने में कम से कम छः महीने लगेंगे। नदी ने अपना रास्ता बदल दिया है, जिसकी गहराई 90 फीट आंकी गई है। मेरा आग्रह है कि उस पर पुल बनाकर साथ ही साथ स्लूइस गेट बनाया जाए, जिससे समय पर पानी निकल सके। केन्द्र सरकार ने नेपाल से आने वाली नदियों पर बैराज बनाने की योजना बनाई थी, जिसकी लागत 75,000 करोड़ रुपए आंकी गई थी। इसके लिए कोसी, बागमती, गंडक आदि नदियों का चयन किया गया था। इस काम को जल्द पूरा किया जाना चाहिए।

            नदियों को आपस में जोड़ने की योजना पर सरकार को तेजी से अमल करना चाहिए और आगामी पांच वर्ष की अवधि में यह योजना पूरी करके बिहार को बाढ़ मुक्त प्रदेश बनाया जाए। नदियों पर छोटे-छोटे बांध बनाए जाएं, जिनमें पांच से दस मेगावाट बिजली पैदा करने की परियोजना बनाई जाए। उस बिजली को स्थानीय क्षेत्रों में वितरित किया जाए। इसका लाभ यह होगा कि बिहार में जहां बिजली की उपलब्धता बढ़ेगी, वहीं उसका मूल्य भी कम होगा। नेपाल से निकलने वाली नदियों के कारण बिहार प्रदेश हर साल बाढ़ का प्रकोप झेलता है।[R63]              हमारे माननीय गृह मंत्री, यूपीए चेयरपर्सन सोनिया जी और माननीय लालू जी बिहार का हवाई सर्वेक्षण कर चुके हैं। हमारे क्षेत्र में लगभग 25 हजार आदमी बाढ़ के कारण भूख से मर रहे हैं। मैं चाहूंगा कि माननीय गृह मंत्री जी एक बार फिर बिहार का हवाई सर्वेक्षण करें। मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि 3 जुलाई को जो बाढ़ की स्थिति थी वह स्थिति अब भी वैसी ही बनी हुई है और लोगों को कोई राहत नहीं मिल रही है।

SHRIMATHI JHANSI LAKSHMI BOTCHA (BOBBILI): Mr. Chairman, Sir, first of all, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on the perennial problem of floods being faced in the country.

                        Either one part or the other of our country, including my home State Andhra Pradesh, is always affected by floods and cyclones each year. After the flood and cyclone calamities, the State and Central teams visit the flood-ravaged areas and announce different relief measures, and State Governments take up follow-up measures with the Central Government to get the required financial assistance to provide relief to the affected people.

            In view of the recent floods, in my State of Andhra Pradesh, fourteen Districts were affected which include north coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam which form part of my Bobbili Parliamentary Constituency. In all, 9.38 lakh people living in 47 villages have been affected. About 54 people have died and more than 50,000 cattle perished and about 0.36 lakh hectares of crop area was damaged, resulting in a monetary loss of Rs.13.30 crore, as per the report of the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

            The Government of Andhra Pradesh has requested for Central Assistance of Rs.1539.11 crore for temporary and permanent restoration works in the areas which were damaged by flash floods in June, 2007. Flash floods caused by over-flowing of rivers Janjavathi, Vamsadhara and Nagavali of neighbouring States in August, 2007 have caused damages to public property which require immediate restoration. However, final estimate is under progress.

                        There is no doubt that these perennial floods are affecting our economy, the ecological balance of the country, health of the people, sanitation and resulting in spread of vector-borne diseases. Livelihood of BPL people and many communities are affected. The poor livestock also has suffered the fury of floods.

                        If our country has to march towards progress and attain 8 per cent GDP growth continuously for five years and get a permanent place in the comity of developed countries, then we should take up a comprehensive action plan; take up permanent measures in the form of comprehensive disaster management programme. Under this, action plan should be chalked out at village, district, State and Central levels to tackle disasters. Besides bureaucrats, public representatives, local communities and NGOs should be actively involved in tackling disaster management. I also suggest that there should be a Parliamentary Committee on Disaster Management permanently. The action plan should include:

1.     A comprehensive and amicable plan to link all the major rivers of our country and neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal.

2.     Research on agriculture should be carried out to raise crops even if the water level is more than five times the normal.

3.     Deforestation and landslides should be checked.

4.     Comprehensive and more effective insurance plan for life, crops, animals and property should be launched.

5.     Awareness programme for the general public to increase the disaster preparedness like in some developed countries should be introduced.

6.     Disaster management lessons and global warming should be included in the school curriculum as a long-term measure. Comprehensive irrigation and drainage systems should be evolved as a part of long-term National Disaster Management Programme.[KMR64] 

18.00 hrs. As we have seen, the recent rains have not spared even metro cities thereby affecting the drainage and sanitation systems badly and providing safe drinking water.

Water harvesting should be made mandatory before sanctioning any construction activity or before undertaking any mega project. If necessary, enact a law for this purpose.

Some of the dams which have been constructed three or four decades ago are not able to withstand the fury of rains and floods from upper stream States to lower stream States.

The infrastructure of these dams needs to be assessed, from time to time.

MR. CHAIRMAN :   Hon. Members, I have a long list of speakers.  If the House agrees, the time for the discussion may be extended by one hour. We have to complete the discussion on this today and the reply of the hon. Minister will be on some other day. 

            After this, Special Mentions would be taken up.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN (BALASORE):  We do not agree to the extension of the House.  There is hardly anything tomorrow.  We can take up `Zero Hour’ now.

MR. CHAIRMAN: I think the sense of the House is that the House should be extended by one hour.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN :  No, Sir. You can take up `Zero Hour’ now. We do not agree to the extension of the time of the House. … (Interruptions)

SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY (SABARKANTHA):  Let this debate be completed today so that the Minister can reply later on.  … (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN: That means, the time of the House will be extended by one hour. 

… (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN:   Please cooperate.  Now, the time of the House is extended by another hour.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN :   We would agree with you but unless everyone is agreed…. … (Interruptions)

SHRIMATI JHANSI LAKSHMI BOTCHA : Sir, for storing rain water in tanks and for repairing the old tanks, the Government has made a provision in the Budget some two or three years back. I do not know the progress on this. The hon. Minister may kindly enlighten the House on this.

If all these things are done promptly, I do not think it would be necessary for the House to deliberate on the floods under Rule 193, as a ritual, year-after-year.

श्री हंसराज गं. अहीर (चन्द्रपुर) : महोदय, देश में आई बाढ़ की स्थिति पर मेरे पूर्व वक्ताओं द्वारा इसे संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ द्वारा असाधारण स्थिति बताकर राहत और पुनवर्सन के कामों को दक्षता से करने की बात कही गयी है।  मैं जिस निर्वाचन क्षेत्र से आता हूं, वह विदर्भ क्षेत्र में छत्तीसगढ़ और आंध्र प्रदेश की सीमा से लगा हुआ क्षेत्र है। यहां पर वर्धा, वैनगंगा, पैनगंगा और गोदावरी जैसी बड़ी नदियों के पानी के कारण हरदम बाढ़ आती है। पिछले तीन साल से जो क्षेत्र कभी भी बाढ़ प्रभावित नहीं रहे, ऐसे क्षेत्र भी बाढ़ प्रभावित हो रहे हैं।  इसके कई कारण हैं।  मेरे निर्वाचन क्षेत्र में वेस्टर्न कोल फील्ड्स की करीब चालीस खदानें हैं, उनमें से ओपनकास्ट कोयला खानों के प्रबंधकों द्वारा स्थानिक प्रशासन की अनुमति न लेते हुए खान के ओ.बी. (मिट्टी/पत्थर) का नदियों के किनारे डालने में नदियां सिकुड़ती जा रही हैं।  चन्द्रपूर जिला मुख्यालय क्षेत्र शहर से लगकर बहने वाली इरई नदी आज सिकुड़कर नाला बन गयी है, इसलिए आज चन्द्रपूर शहर के कई हिस्से बाढ़ की चपेट में आते हैं।  सरकार द्वारा इसका संज्ञान लेकर तत्काल कार्रवाई न करने से चन्द्रपूर शहर को बाढ़ का खतरा हमेशा बना रहेगा, ऐसी ही स्थिति कमोवेश हर जगह है। मानव द्वारा प्रकृति  को मोड़ने की फितरत के कारण प्रकृति अपना रौद्र रूप बना रही है।

            वर्ष 2005 में मैंने  इसी सदन में मुंबई में बाढ़ और बाढ़ पश्चात् बने संक्रामक रोगों के प्रकोप पर बोलते वक्त सरकारी उपेक्षा का वर्णन किया था। आज की स्थित वही है। प्रशासन के रवैये में कोई बदलाव नहीं दिखाई देता है। प्रशासन द्वारा उपचार के लिए आपदा प्रबंधन की बैठकें कर कोरी बातें की जाती हैं और बाढ़ की स्थिति में उनकी विफलता से लोगों को तकलीफ भुगतनी पड़ती है। महाराष्ट्र के संबंध में नियंत्रक और महालेखा परीक्षक की टिप्पणी को देखते हुए प्रशासन की भूमिका के बारे में हरदम प्रश्नचिह्न लगना लोगों के लिए त्रासदी बन रही है।  पिछले वर्ष केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा ऐसी स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आपदा प्रबंधन विधेयक लाया गया थ। आपदा प्रबंधन के माध्यम से आज की बाढ़ की स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सरकार द्वारा कौन से कदम उठाए गए, यह मैं सरकार से जानना चाहता हूँ। क्या महाराष्ट्र राज्य सरकार ने विदर्भ तथा राज्य के अन्य भागों के लिए राहत और पुनर्वास के लिए केन्द्रीय सहायता की मांग की है?  यदि हां, तो केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा राज्य सरकार की मांग के अनुसार कितनी सहायता दी जा रही है और प्रत्यक्ष कितनी जारी की गयी है, इसका भी जवाब सरकार को देना होगा।  राज्य सरकार द्वारा विदर्भ क्षेत्र से हरदम सौतेला व्यवहार किया जाता है, इसलिए विदर्भ के लिए केन्द्र सरकार अलग से धनराशि के आबंटन की घोषणा करने की मैं मांग करता हूँ।

 

* The speech was laid on the Table.

            बाढ़ के कारण आपदा प्रबंधन के लिए और तत्पश्चात् राहत और पुनर्वास के लिए भारी धनराशि और अन्य साधनों पर खर्च करना पड़ता है।  देश में एक तरफ भीषण बाढ़ ओर दूसरी तरफ अवर्षन, दोनों सूरत में आपदा प्रबंधन हेतु खर्च करना पड़ता है।  इसलिए एनडीए के काल में नदी जोड़ने की परियोजना का जो कार्य शुरू किया गया था, इस सरकार को उसे आगे बढ़ाना चाहिए। नदी जोड़ कार्यक्रमों के माध्यम से हम बाढ़ और अवर्षण दोनों त्रासदियों से मुक्त हो सकते हैं, सरकार इसका संज्ञान ले। इसी तरह आज देश में सीमेंट के जंगल बन रहे हैं। शहरों में आंगण, सड़कें, गलियां, सीमेंट की हो रही हैं।  इससे वर्षाजल का पानी जमीन में नहीं समा पा रहा है, वह नालियों के माध्यम से नदियों में मिल रहा है जिससे भूगर्भ जलस्तर में भी कमी आ रही है और दूसरी तरफ नदियों के पानी में बढ़ोत्तरी हो रही है। इसलिए शहरी, ग्रामीण सभी जगह इमारतों के निर्माण के पूर्व छत के पानी का भूमि में छोड़ने के लिए बाध्यता हेतु कानून बनाना चाहिए।  सरकार रूफ वॉटर हार्वेस्टिंग पर अधिक ध्यान केंद्रित करे। बाढ़ प्रभावित क्षेत्रों के लोगों को अस्थाई आवास और राहत शिविरों में रखने के बाद स्थिति सामान्य होने के बाद प्रशासन द्वारा मंझधार में छोड़ा जाना है, यह हरदम देखने में आता है। बाढ़ पीड़ित क्षेत्रों के लोगों का तत्काल पुनर्वसन किया जाना चाहिए। बाढ़ के कारण संक्रामक रोगों से लड़ने के लिए वहां आवश्यक स्वास्थ्य सुविधा प्राथमिकता से उपलब्ध हों, इसके लिए सचेतता बरतनी चाहिए। वहां के लोगों की मुफ्त में स्वास्थ्य परीक्षण और नःशुल्क औषधियां एवं उपचार सुलभ कराने की अति आवश्यकता है।

            बाढ़ पीड़ित क्षेत्रों के किसान, मजदूरों की आजीविका बाढ़ के कारण उजड़ गयी है, उन्हें उनके नुकसान के अनुसार राहत मुआवजा दिया जाना चाहिए।  एक एकड़ के लिए कम से कम दस हजार रूपए की सहायता किसानों को तथा मजदूरों को  उसी अनुपात में सहायता देने की आवश्यकता है। फसलों की बर्बादी के कारण बेरोजगार किसान और मजदूरों को रोजगार उपलब्ध कराने के लिए विशेष कार्यक्रम भी प्राथमिकता से चलाने चाहिए। बाढ़ प्रभावित क्षेत्रों में सड़कों, पुलों तथा शाला भवनों का भारी नुकसान हुआ है, इनके पुनर्निर्माण के लिए युद्धस्तर पर काम करने के लिए केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा राज्य सरकारों को भारी धनराशि उपलब्ध कराने की आवश्यकता है।

            मेरे निर्वाचन क्षेत्र में बारहमासी नदियों के कारण बाढ़ की स्थिति बनती है, यहां पर बांध और सिंचाई परियोजना के प्रस्ताव वन संवर्धन कानून के कारण अड़ने से नदियों पर बांध नहीं बनाए जा रहे हैं।  पुलों के निर्माण नहीं होने से बाढ़ पीड़ित क्षेत्रों का संपर्क टूट जाता है।  इसे देखकर इस क्षेत्र के बांध और सिंचाई परियोजनाओं के प्रत्यक्ष निर्माण के लिए केन्द्र सरकार सहायता दे। बाढ़ प्रभावित लोगों को सहायता उपलब्ध कराने के लिए केन्द्र सरकार स्वयं पहल करे।  ऐसा आह्वान कर मैं अपनी बात को यहीं समाप्त करता हूँ।                                                                           

SHRI SURESH ANGADI (BELGAUM): Sir, Karnataka received 71 per cent of its rainfall from South Western rainfall. This year, it received 54 per cent plus.  We have received heavy rains.  Most of the districts in Karnataka received heavy rainfall.  We requested the hon. Prime Minister to undertake an aerial survey but unfortunately he has not agreed to our request.

            My area, Belgaum consists of five rivers. Most of the water flow from the Krishna river from Maharashtra.  Water from the Koyna Dam overflows into the Krishna River creating havoc on the sugarcane farmers and resulting in heavy loss of crops.

            The inflow of Almatti reservoir on the Krishna basin which was below 20,000 cusecs as on 20.06.2007 increased to 2 lakh cusecs by 2.7.2007 and 2.65 lakh cusecs by 6.7.2007.  On 10.07.2007 the inflow into Almatti was 1.42 lakh cusecs.  On 11.7.07 the inflow further increased to 2.17 lakh cusecs. The outflow from the Almatti reservoir was maintained higher than the inflow during the said period. Inflow of water created huge loss to the crops of farmers of the surrounding areas; 206 people died and a cattle loss of 2786. The Karnataka Government has already requested for Rs.506 crore from the Government of India but till date we have not received a single pie[r65] . Only during the discussion on flood situation, Shri Ananth Kumar spoke and the hon. Home Minister said that he was giving Rs.102 crore; this amount of Rs.102 crore was given under CRF and was kept in the Budget. But there was no special fund given by the Central Government.

I want to bring one fact to your kind attention. When there was a drought in this country, at that time, Shri S. M. Krishna’s Congress Government was in power in Karnataka. At that time, Shri Vajpayee gave huge sums of money to the Karnataka Government, headed by Shri S. M. Krishna of Congress.

18.06 hrs.                              (Shri Varkala Radhakrishnan in the Chair) But I am surprised to find that there is discrimination in dealing with the flood situation. Till date, for the people of Karnataka, this Government has not given anything to tide over the flood situation that we are facing in Karnataka. The Government of Karnataka has sent in a request for sanctioning an amount of Rs.506 crore. So, I would request the hon. Home Minister and the hon. Prime Minister to please release the amount and to come to the rescue of farmers of Karnataka.

 

SHRIMATI PRATIBHA SINGH (MANDI): Sir, thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on the situation arising out of the floods in various parts of the country on the 14th August, 2007.

            Himachal Pradesh located on the foothills of Himalayas, due to its geographical location, is very vulnerable to various kinds of natural calamities. The fragile hills have loose strata which is quite susceptible to heavy rains. The recent rains have played havoc leading to floods and disruption of traffic on almost all the major highways connecting Himachal Pradesh with other parts of the country.

            The Kangra-Pathankot Highway, the only lifeline to Punjab came to a standstill after the Chakki Bridge got washed away. Similarly, Manali-Chandigarh Highway and Shimla-Chandigarh National Highway also remained closed for several hours due to landslides at various places. Shimla-Kalka rail line also suffered damage near Koti and remained closed for several days.

            The State Government has made provision to provide immediate relief to the affected people under Emergency Relief Manual. After having given assurance to this House, the Relief Manual was revised by the present Government on 10th April, 2007, enhancing the quantum of relief as well as introducing, for the first time, a new concept of cash relief on account of loss to crops. The hon. Chief Minister, showing his magnanimity, had further got it amended on 21st August, 2007, to enhance the gratuitous relief on account of death of any member of the family from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. The provision of ex-gratia payment of Rs.25,000 has been enhanced to Rs. 35,000 to people who have a disability of 40 per cent and those with 75 per cent disability, the amount has been enhanced to Rs. 50,000. The State Government has distributed the funds under CRF in advance so that the Deputy Commissioners and the Departments need not wait and that they can undertake relief works immediately, if any calamity occurs. Therefore, before the commencement of monsoons, the first instalment of CRF has been distributed. The amount of Rs.54.03 crore was released on 26th June 2007 to Deputy Commissioners and the Heads of the Departments, which is like this: for gratuitous relief to Deputy Commissioners, an amount of Rs. 15 crore was given; for employment generation through Deputy Commissioners, it is Rs.15 crore; for repair and restoration of roads to PWD, it is Rs.5 crore; for drinking water supplies through Deputy Commissioners, it is Rs.1.03 crore and through I & PH, it is Rs.2.5 crore; for Director, Agriculture, for seeds and fertilizer, the amount released is Rs.3 crore and for emergency and other contingencies, it is Rs.10 crore.

            During the 2nd and 3rd weeks of August, the rainy season was in its peak that resulted in huge loss of human lives, live stocks, private and public properties. On the basis of the reports received from the Deputy Commissioners, we have the information that almost 100 valuable human lives have been lost in the State. This includes the most unfortunate incidence of cloud burst in Shimla District itself, which resulted in the loss of 53 lives, besides damage to houses and private properties. More than 2000 houses have been damaged and around 1000 live stocks have been lost.

I must mention the losses to the Departments. The PWD has incurred a loss of Rs.354 crore; I&PH Department has incurred a loss of Rs.42 crore; the Agriculture Department has incurred a loss of Rs.225 crore. The Horticulture Department has suffered a loss of Rs.26.77 crore and other departments have suffered a loss of Rs.12.86 crore.  The State Government did not spare any effort to launch immediate relief and rescue work to help marooned and affected people of the State. The Chief Minister himself took a meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority.  Under his directions, the Chief Secretary took the meeting of the State Executive Committee and directed the Secretaries and Deputy Commissioners to undertake the work.  The first instalment of Rs.53.25 crore was released on 22nd August, 2007.  This fund was utilised as follows: Rs.20.25 crore for repair and restoration work. Rs.10.50 crore for agriculture and horticulture, Rs.3.50 crore for gratuitous relief, Rs.3.50 crore for restoration of water supply schemes, Rs.15.00 crore for PWD to undertake repair of roads and Rs. 50 crore for Urban Local Bodies to undertake repair and restoration.

I would like to inform the august House that the State Government has released this fund without waiting for the release of the second instalment from the Government of India in order to provide immediate relief to the affected people.  This shows the human face of the State Government which is working whole heartedly under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister who has directed that the money will not be allowed to stand in the way of the assistance required to be given to the needy people.

            I must inform the House that it is the endeavour of our Government to provide immediate relief wherever and whenever such calamity occurs.  We have the most compassionate and sympathetic Chief Minister who is always eager to help the poor and the needy people of the State. We are in the process of compiling the losses that have occurred all over Himachal Pradesh.  Monsoon is not yet over and we are continuously receiving reports from the Deputy Commissioners on daily basis of more and more losses of human lives and properties.  We are proposing to send a detailed Memorandum to the Government of India for assistance under National Calamity Contingency Fund as the normal funds under CRF has already been utilised by the State Government.

            For the information of this House I may tell that our Government has not only got CRF money enhanced from Rs.50 Crore in 2003-04 to Rs.107 crore for the current financial year but also got additional funds to the tune of Rs.138 crore during its current tenure.  We will spare no efforts to impress upon the Central Government to give us additional relief and we will never be lacking in helping the people of our State in this hour of need.

           

MR. CHAIRMAN : I have to make a personal request to the hon. Members.  We had started discussion on this topic a week back. So, please cooperate to conclude the discussion in time.  I do not dispute that it is a very vital subject but prolonged, marathon discussion will not serve the purpose.  On the contrary, the seriousness will be lost.  So, I would request the Members to cooperate with the Chair in concluding the discussion in the shortest possible time.  Those Members who want to lay any written speeches can do so and they will be treated as part of the proceeding.  There is no harm.  It will be as valid as an oral speech made before the House.

 

श्री आलोक कुमार मेहता (समस्तीपुर):  सभापति महोदय, आपने मुझे बाढ़ की विभीषका के संबंध में बोलने का समय दिया, इसके लिए मैं आपका धन्यवाद करता हूं। यह हमारे लिए महत्वपूर्ण इसलिए भी है क्योंकि मैं उस क्षेत्र का प्रतिनिधित्व करता हूं जिसका लगभग 60 प्रतिशत हिस्सा बाढ़ के पानी के अंदर समाया हुआ है। वहां बहुत बड़ी संख्या में लोग सूखी जगह पर पनाह लेने के लिए तैयार हैं या चले गए हैं या घिरकर हफ्तों से भूखे-प्यासे किसी तरह जीवन बसर करने के लिए मजबूर हैं। यह बिहार की स्थिति है। मैं समस्तीपुर जिले का प्रतिनिधित्व करता हूं और लगभग यही पिक्चर बिहार के 17 जिलों में है जो बाढ़ से प्रभावित हैं और वहां बाढ़ प्रबंधन के नाम पर कोई चीज दिखलाई नहीं देती है।[r66]              वर्ष 2004 में भी बिहार में बाढ़ आई थी और उसकी विभीषिका भी इतनी ही थी। लेकिन मुझे याद है उस समय 2004 में केन्द्र में यू.पी.ए. की सरकार बनी थी। उसने बिहार की भरपूर मदद की थी और बिहार में भी हमारी सरकार थी, जिसने व्यापक स्तर पर इसका प्रबंधन करके बाढ़-पीड़ितों को सहायता पहुंचा कर बाढ़ नियंत्रण के मामले में आगे की कार्रवाई की थी। लेकिन आज ऐसा प्रतीत होता है कि जैसे बिहार में कोई सरकार ही नहीं है। समस्तीपुर एक अकेला ऐसा जिला है, जहां सौ से अधिक लोग डूबकर मरे हैं। इसके अलावा एक नाव, जिस पर करीब सौ लोग सवार थे, वह नाव डूब गई। बिहार के मुख्य सचिव को जब हमने इस बारे में इत्तिला की और हमने कहा कि पांच-छः घंटे बीत जाने के बाद भी कोई रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन नहीं चल रहा है तो उन्होंने कहा कि चूंकि आप स्पाट पर नहीं है, इसलिए आपको पता नहीं है, आप वहां जाकर देखिये कि कितने बड़े पैमाने पर रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन चल रहा है। मैं अपने मीडिया के एक दर्जन साथियों को लेकर वहां गया, क्योंकि वहां के तमाम पीड़ित लोगों के द्वारा सूचित किया जा रहा था कि छः-सात घंटे बीतने के बाद एक भी नाव या मोटरबोट वहां नहीं पहुंची है। जबकि वहां से पटना मात्र 45 मिनट की दूरी पर है, जहां से नाव या मोटरबोट आ सकती थी। लेकिन वह नहीं पहुंची और सौ लोग पानी के अंदर समा गये। जिन लोगों को तैरना आता था वे लोग अपने प्रयासों से किसी तरह किनारे लगे और अंत में 19 लोगों की लाशों का पता नहीं चला।

            सभापति महोदय, माननीय रेल मंत्री जी के प्रयास से वहां लोगों में उत्साह भरकर कुछ काम किया जा सका। मा. रेल मंत्री जी वहां स्पाट पर गये थे और श्री जयप्रकाश नारायण यादव, जो जल संसाधन मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री हैं, उन्होंने भी वहां जाकर मुआयना किया था। हमें बहुत खेद के साथ कहना पड़ता है कि जब हम लोग वहां मीडिया के साथ गये तो वहां एक भी नाव नहीं थी, एक भी सरकारी व्यक्ति नहीं था। गांव के लोगों ने किसी तरह से प्रयास करके तीन लाशों को बाहर निकाला, लेकिन वहां प्रशासन की ओर से कोई व्यवस्था नहीं थी। आज सुबह मैं अपने क्षेत्र से लौटा हूं, अभी तक उन्हें मुआवजा नहीं दिया जा सका, आज 15 दिन बीत गये हैं। उन लोगों की दयनीय स्थिति को मैं आपके सामने रखना चाहता हूं। इस तरह से लगभग एक सौ लोग वहां डूबकर मर गये। ऐसी जगह जब बिहार के मुख्य मंत्री मुआयना करने के लिए पहुंचे तो हमने कहा कि हैलीकाप्टर से आप ड्रापिंग कराइये, जाने का रास्ता नहीं है, कोई नाव नहीं जा सकती, वहां बहुत सी जगहों पर हजारों की संख्या में लोग फंसे हुए हैं। उन्होंने हमसे कहा कि टारगेट बताइये। हमने कहा कि यदि मैं टारगेट बताऊंगा तो फिर हैलीकाप्टर वाले लोग क्या करेंगे। इसके पहले भी बहुत बड़े पैमाने पर ड्रापिंग के द्वारा लोगों को राहत पहुंचाई गई थी और उसके कारण लोगों में संतुष्टि थी। मैं खेद के साथ कहना चाहता हूं कि मुझे बड़े पैमाने पर एन.जी.ओज. और आम जनता का आह्वान करना पड़ा और उन लोगों की मदद से जो कुछ इकठ्ठा हो सका, उससे हम लोगों ने खुद वहां राहत कार्य चलाने का काम किया। मैं वहां के विभिन्न ग्रुप्स को धन्यवाद देना चाहता हूं, जिन्होंने हम लोगों के आह्वान पर अलग-अलग राहत कार्य शुरू किये। वहां जिला प्रशासन के द्वारा कोई साधन मुहैया नहीं कराये गये  और जो थोड़े बहुत मुहैया कराये गये हैं, उसकी हालत यह है कि जहां एक हजार बाढ़पीड़ित हैं, वहां एक सौ पोलिथीन के छोटे-छोटे पैकेट्स भेजे जाते हैं और जितनी राहत सामग्री बोली जाती है, उसकी आधी या चौथाई राहत सामग्री वहां भेजी जाती है। इसलिए वहां मार-काट की स्थिति बनी हुई है, अराजकता फैल रही है। हम लोग जहां तक संभव है, राहत का काम कर रहे हैं। हम खेद के साथ कहना चाहते हैं कि वहां कोई नाव और मोटरबोट उपलब्ध नहीं कराई गई है। बाढ़ का पानी पूरी तरह से आ जाने के पांच दिन के बाद भी रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन के लिए जो साधन उपलब्ध कराये जाने चाहिए थे, वे उपलब्ध नहीं कराये गये हैं। वहां एक भी मोटरबोट उपलब्ध नहीं थी। जब वहां एक नाव सौ आदमियों को लेकर डूब गई तो उस समय मोटरबोट की मांग की गई। लेकिन मोटरबोट के आते-आते सब कुछ स्वाहा हो चुका था।

            महोदय, बिहार सरकार के पास 393 लाख रुपये की स्कीम थी, लेकिन उस स्कीम में से मात्र 79 लाख रुपये खर्च किये गये। इस तरह से टोटल स्कीम का मात्र बीस परसैन्ट खर्च किया गया। यही वजह है कि बिहार की तमाम नदियों के आसपास जो बांध थे, उनकी मरम्मत नहीं कराई जा सकी। दिसम्बर में एक टेंडर भी निकाला गया और उस काम को अप्रैल तक पूरा किया जाना चाहिए था[b67] । लेकिन अप्रैल क्या अभी अगस्त तक एक टेंडर नहीं खुलेगा। यह बिहार सरकार की गंभीरता थी और हम कहना चाहते हैं कि 15-20 दिन पहले से वहां बाढ़ आई हुई है लेकिन चार दिन पहले एक नून नदी का बांध टूट गया जिसके कारण वहां का पूरा क्षेत्र जल प्लावित हो गया और उस नदी के जल से 24 पंचायतों का क्षेत्र पूरी तरह से जल प्लावित हो गया और बड़े पैमाने पर लोग वहां फंसे हुए हैं। मैं दो दिन से उन्हीं लोगों के बीच किसी तरह से नाव और गाड़ी से घूम रहा था। जब हम प्रशासन को सूचना दी कि .यहां का बांध टूट गया है तो हमें सरकारी माध्यम से बताया गया कि उस नदी का रिकार्ड सरकार के पास नहीं है और उस बांध का रिकार्ड नहीं है। जन नायक कर्पूरी ठाकुर जी ने उस बांध को बनवाया था और जन सहयोग भी लिया था और वह बांध कर्पूरी बांध के नाम से हमारे क्षेत्र में जाना जाता है। उस बांध के बारे में बताया गया कि रिकार्ड में नहीं है। वहां के प्रशासन की यह स्थिति है प्रशासन के पास साधन मुहैया नहीं कराया जा रहा है। प्रशासन की इच्छा होने के बावजूद चूंकि सरकार के द्वारा साधन मुहैया नहीं कराये गये, इसलिए स्थानीय लोग उस बांध को उत्साह के कारण बांधने में लगे हुए हैं।

            मैं सबसे पहले जल संसाधन मंत्री जी को और माननीय राज्य मंत्री जी को धन्यवाद देना चाहता हूं कि पिछली बार जब बाढ़ आई थी तो हम लोगों ने बहुत मांग रखी थी और इन लोगों ने गंभीरता के साथ उन मांगों को पूरा किया था। हमारे क्षेत्र में जहां गंगा नदी पर इन लोगों ने बोल्डर ब्रीचिंग करवाया और उस बोल्डर ब्रीचिंग की वजह से बहुत बड़ा क्षेत्र बाढ़ की चपेट में आने से बच गया। इसलिए मैं विशेष तौर से जयप्रकाश नारायण यादव जी जिन्होंने इनीशिएटिव लिया था, उनको मैं धन्यवाद और बधाई देना चाहता हूं और माननीय गृह मंत्री जी को भी धन्यवाद देना चाहता हूं कि बिहार सरकार जो बिल्कुल अकर्मण्यता पूर्ण कार्रवाई के साथ थी, इन लोगों ने बिहार सरकार को ऑफर किया कि आपके पास जो रिजर्व मनी है, उसे खर्च कीजिए। ...( व्यवधान)फिर भी उनका जो रवैया है, उसे देखकर ऐसा लगता है कि बिहार सरकार की नज़र में बाढ़ राहत कार्य फिज़ूलखर्ची है। इसलिए मैं पांच प्वाइंट गिनकर बता दे रहा हूं कि हमारे क्षेत्र में जितने स्विस गेट हैं, उनकी मरम्मत करवाई जाए, कर्पूरी बांध जो सरयूगंज और पटौरी प्रखंड को प्रभावित करता है और जिसके बांध टूट गये हैं, उस नून नदी पर उस बांध की पूरी तरह से मरम्मत कराई जाए। कतार वाले बिन्दुओं को चिन्हित कर बागमती, बूढ़ी गंडक, नून नदी, कमलाबलान और गंगा के विभिन्न किनारों पर जहां-जहां कटाव का एक ट्रेडीशन रहा है, जहां पर एक ट्रेंड रहा है, उस जगह बोल्डर ब्रीचिंग कराई जाए।

             तमाम नदियों की ड्रेजिंग होनी बहुत आवश्यक है। बिहार में हाइ-डैम की योजना के लिए मैं धन्यवाद देना चाहता हूं कि माननीय मंत्री जी ने नेपाल से बात करके इस काम को बहुत आगे बढ़ाया है। वहां की जो स्थिति है,...( व्यवधान) इस काम में कुछ कमी जरूर आई थी लेकिन मैं धन्यवाद देना चाहता हूं कि इस काम को आपने आगे बढ़ाया है। लेकिन तत्कालिक रूप से वहां पर काम होना बहुत आवश्यक है। बेगूसराय जहां के बारे में सूरत सिंह जी ने अभी चर्चा की। मैं बसी गांव का दौरा करके आया हूं। बहुत दुख की बात है कि वहां का पैसा सैंक्शन  कर दिया गया था, पैसा दे दिया गया था और तीन करोड़ रुपया उसकी मरम्मत के लिए दिया गया था लेकिन सरकार ने उसे खर्च नहीं किया। मैं यह भी बताना चाहता हूं कि बूढ़ी गंडक नदी दिशा बदल रही है। कितना भयानक सीन है कि 400 परिवार क्षण भर में पानी के आगोश में समा गये। 400 पक्के मकान और साधारण मकान के बारे में भी पता नहीं चल रहा है कि 400 परिवार के लोग कहां गये और वहां 50-50 फीट के गढ़्डे हो गये हैं। इसलिए हम सरकार से विनती करना चाहते हैं कि बिहार और विशेष तौर पर समस्तीपुर, बेगूसराय, मधुबनी, दरभंगा जहां पर भयानक स्थिति है, ऐसी जगहों पर व्यापक गंभीरता का परिचय देते हुए और योजना आयोग के माध्यम से हम सरकार से कहना चाहते हैं कि इस बार की योजना में इसे शामिल करवाया जाए और नदियों की योजना को पूरा कराया जाए। समस्तीपुर अभी खतरे पर है। समस्तीपुर शहर में लगभग 14 कि.मी. बांध के उच्चीकरण, मजबूतीकरण के लिए हमने माननीय मंत्री जी को एक प्रस्ताव दिया था ।

            माननीय सभापति महोदय, मेरा सरकार से आग्रह है कि इस शहर को बचाया जाये। इसके साथ ही मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूं कि(Interruptions) *                           *Not recorded.

 

श्री रघुराज सिंह शाक्य (इटावा): महोदय, बाढ़ देश के सामने गंभीर समस्या है इससे प्रत्येक वर्ष हजारों की संख्या में लोग मारे जाते हैं। लाखों लोग घर से बेघर हो जाते हैं लेकिन सरकार कोई ठोस कदम नहीं उठा पाती है। पूर्वी उत्तर प्रदेश व बिहार का हमेशा बुरा हाल रहता है। किसान बर्बाद होता चला जा रहा है । लोगों के पास भोजन की बड़ी समस्या है। खेती के लिए जो कर्ज ले रखा है उसे देने के लिए मजबूर है। सबसे ज्यादा किसान परेशान है। अतः मैं सरकार से मांग करता हूं कि बाढ़ ग्रस्त क्षेत्रों का लगान व कर्ज माफ कर दिया जाए एवं उनके परिवार के लोगों व बच्चों के लिए शिक्षा, भोजन, मकान की सरकार व्यवस्था करने का उपाय करे। इसी के साथ उत्तर प्रदेश में अन्य प्रदेशों में जहां सूखा की समस्या है वहां भी सरकार सूखाग्रस्त क्षेत्रों के लिए लगान व सरकारी कर्ज माफ करे जिससे सूखा एवं बाढ़ग्रस्त क्षेत्रों के परिवारों का जीवन यापन हो सके।

                       

* The speech was laid on the Table.

           

SHRIMATI TEJASWINI SEERAMESH (KANKAPURA): Sir, I seek permission to speak from here. 

            I would like to share the concern of the House while addressing the flood situation which has taken away many valuable lives particularly in rural India. Floods have destroyed many valuable infrastructure in many States and many domestic animals have been lost.  Many schools and roads have been damaged.  The drainage system has been damaged. There is severe destruction all over India. From Assam to Karnataka, we have been facing problems due to drought. Sometimes, we face problems due to heavy rains. 

            With due respect to both the Ministers, the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Soz and Minister of Home Affairs, Shri Shriprakash, I would like to say that a serious debate is going on to interlink the rivers of India. It is a very much interrelated subject today. 

Some of my brothers from the other side spoke about the situation in Karnataka where we lost a lot of crops.  Some diseases have started spreading due to rains in the slum areas. By this, poor people are affected. Even though the Government is effectively addressing the problem, we are still lagging behind due to the severity of the problem.

I am not politicising this issue. I heard from the Government of Karnataka at one point of time that the Disaster Management Committee has not met even once. It was the Minister’s reply in Karnataka. I am appealing to the Government of Karnataka to take care of this.  If that Committee is not meeting, then how can we address the problem? Of course, we are demanding more than Rs. 4000 crore to meet the problems arising out of floods. I am requesting the Central Government to assist the State Government of Karnataka to deal with this problem.

Of course, I am equally concerned about the people of Assam.  Due to difficult terrain there, we lost valuable tribal people, particularly poor labourers. With great agony, I would like to share my concern for them.

With these words, I am requesting for more assistance from the Central Government.  At the same time, equally the State Government should also address the issue. Unless the child cries out expressing the problem, we will not understand it. The problem in Bihar is something different.  We know how people are affected by the floods in Ganga. We know it.  In Karnataka, due to unprecedented rains this time, farmers and students are affected.  They should be helped. Poor students of rural areas should be helped particularly. Schools, roads, drainages and bridges which have been damaged due to rains should be reconstructed without further delay.  I request all possible help from the Central Government to address the flood situation all over the country.

                                                                                                                           

श्री देवव्रत सिंह (राजनंदगाँव)  : सभापति महोदय, पिछले कुछ दिनों से सदन में बहुत महत्वपूर्ण विषय पर चर्चा हो रही है। बाढ़ विषय इस देश का महत्वपूर्ण विषय है। विगत कई वर्षों से  हम इस बात को महसूस कर रहे हैं कि पूरे देश में बाढ़ पर चर्चा होती है। जब भी किसी राज्य में बाढ़ आती है तो उस राज्य के राजनेता हॉलीकॉप्टर से सर्वे करते हैं और उसके बाद घोषणायें की जाती हैं, लोगों को मुआवजे दिये जाते हैं लेकिन जब इस सदन में बाढ़ पर चर्चा हो रही है तो मैं कहना चाहूंगा कि  हम और कितने वर्षों तक बाढ़ के बारे में कहते रहेंगे। बाढ़ एक प्राकृतिक आपदा है। अतिवृष्टि के कारण बहुत सारे राज्यों में नदियों में पानी बढ़ जाता है। आज देश को आजादी मिले 60 साल हो गये हैं। जब आधुनिक तकनीक के कारण हम लोग आज चांद पर पहुंचने की बात कर रहे हैं, तब हम बाढ़ की स्थिति को काबू में नहीं कर पाते हैं। जो हमारा प्राकृतिक आपदा संस्थान है और जो आपदा संस्थान की समितियां हैं, वे एकीकृत योजना पूरे देश में लागू नहीं करेंगी तो निश्चित रूप से आने वाला समय और विकराल और भयावह होगा। [s68]              माननीय सभापति जी, बाढ़ के संबंध में बिहार की जो स्थिति बनी हुई है, निश्चित रूप से बिहार के सदस्यों ने इस बात को अच्छी तरह से कहा। पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों में, असम में ब्रह्मपुत्र की स्थिति, बिहार में गंगा नदी की स्थिति सारे देश के लिए गंभीर चिन्ता का विषय है। हमारे छत्तीसगढ़ राज्य में चाहे शिवना नदी हो, महानदी हो या खारू नदी हो, उनसे छत्तीसग़ढ़ राज्य का बहुत बड़ा हिस्सा, लगभग आठ से नौ जिले हर साल बाढ़ की चपेट में आते हैं। मैं यह निवेदन करना चाहूंगा कि अब वक्त आ गया है कि हम किसी ऐसे संस्थान की कार्य योजना बनाएं जो पूरे देश को सामने रखकर बने। 

            माननीय सभापति जी, आज बहुत सारे राज्यों में बाढ़ की स्थिति इसलिए उत्पन्न होती है कि जो बड़े बांध बने हुए हैं, जब उनसे पानी छोड़ा जाता है तो उसकी सूचना सिर्फ उसी राज्य में दी जाती है, आगे नहीं दी जाती। बड़े बांधों से पानी छोड़ने पर जब जल स्तर बढ़ता है तो आस-पास की नदियों में पानी बढ़ता है और बाढ़ की स्थिति उत्पन्न हो जाती है। नेपाल की नदियों से भी हमारे देश में बाढ़ आती है। उसके बारे में भी विदेश मंत्रालय के स्तर पर बात होनी चाहिए। हम लोग जब बड़े बांध बनाने की बात करते हैं तो कभी-कभी यह बात आती है कि यदि बहुत बड़े बांध बनाएंगे तो प्राकृतिक आपदाएं बढ़ेंगी और राष्ट्र को नुकसान होगा। मेरा मानना है कि जहां-जहां बड़े बांधों की आवश्यकता है, वहां पर्यावरण के नुकसान को दरकिनार करना चाहिए, क्योंकि पर्यावरण के नुकसान को देखते हुए हम बड़े बांधों का निर्माण नहीं करते, लेकिन उसके बाद हर वर्ष बाढ़ की चपेट में लाखों व्यक्ति आते हैं और काफी बड़े पैमाने पर त्रासदियां होती हैं।

            पूर्व प्रधान मंत्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी ने राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर नदियों को जोड़ने की बात कही थी। मैं उस बात से एक हद तक सहमत हूँ। आज हम महसूस करते हैं कि बहुत सारी नदियों को यदि आपस में जोड़ दिया जाएगा तो उन सभी नदियों का अधिक पानी कहीं न कहीं सूखा प्रभावित क्षेत्रों में पहुंचा सकते हैं।

            आपने मुझे बोलने के लिए समय दिया, इसके लिए मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूँ।                                                                                                                                               

   

SHRI FRANCIS FANTHOME (NOMINATED): Mr. Chairman, Sir thank you very much.  I would like to take this opportunity to mention a few matters for the benefit of the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and also for the benefit of the hon. Minister of Water Resources who are present here for this important debate. 

 

18.34 hrs.                              (Mr. Deputy-Speaker in the Chair)             There has been a lot of mention about the grave situation that prevails consequent to the floods in this country, be in Bihar, Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala or for that matter in the State of West Bengal.    The issue basically is that each year we meet here and we discuss the matters related to the calamity caused due to floods in this country.  What I would like to put for the consideration of the hon. Ministers is that it is necessary for us to try and develop a mechanism by which we can create reservoirs, be it in the catchment areas of the waters in the Bihar region.  We are also watching that Yamuna is always starved of fresh water in order to renew itself.  That is why even the State of Delhi suffers because there has not been enough fresh water to reach the Yamuna. What we need is that when there is surplus water coming into these rivers at the time when floods are happening, this water be contained in certain reservoirs.  The amount off money that is spent in terms of relief measures and in terms of compensation, and if we have a plan to create water bodies, that will retain the water in the form of catchment areas or wetland creations. That will help in a way; that will not only augment the situation, but over a period of time reach towards a possible solution of the excess water that prevails[a69] . 

            I would also like to mention that part of the concern that comes due to floods is manageable. A lot of it, perhaps, is also due to conditions that the climate creates and that is not within our control.

            In this connection, I would further like to mention that climate change, subsequent to which the changing of the weather patterns and the influence that operates on the agriculturists require a sensitive understanding. What I feel is that while we may manage the disaster, we do not really change the lifestyles and the impact that these  changes have on the agriculturists of this country.

Bihar remains an extremely poor State in this nation because much of Bihar is an agricultural region. Floods followed by drought impacts the common people  in a manner that they cannot raise their lifestyles or their standard of living even to the minimum levels that the nation has. It is for this reason that we need to have a very special understanding of what we need to provide for the farmers in these areas.

I would  also like to mention just one more matter and that is that in the State where I come from, the State of Uttarakhand, while the calamity  may not necessarily be due to floods, the issue happens in terms of cloudburst, excessive snow or soil erosion. It is in these regions, the upper hills of the Himalays where the people are impacted in a very special manner due to the special nature of the calamities that operate. The Government would need to see how we can put in measures that will address the  concerns of the people of Uttarakhand.

With these words, I conclude.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: The discussion on the flood situation will continue tomorrow. We will now take up the Special Mentions.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN :  Shri at Six of the Clock, I told the same thing that they could have it tomorrow. I was told that it would be finished today. In fact, I was asked to sit down. Again, after it was decided, you are going to have it tomorrow.… (Interruptions)

उपाध्यक्ष महोदय :    आपकी बात हमने मान ली।    

…( व्यवधान)   

श्री खारबेल स्वाईं (बालासोर)  :  पहले हमें यह बोला गया था कि आज ही इसे खत्म करना है।...( व्यवधान)

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE): There are requests from so many Members.… (Interruptions)

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER:  Nothing should be recorded.

(Interruptions)* उपाध्यक्ष महोदय :   स्वाईं जी, हमने आपकी बात मान ली है।

…( व्यवधान)

SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE:  There are so many requests from the hon. Members. Otherwise, we wanted to complete it. Since the requests have come from so many Members, we have to accommodate them.

उपाध्यक्ष महोदय :   स्वाईं जी, हमने आपकी बात मान ली है।

 

_____________     *Not recorded.