India Trip - Minutes of the meeting held on August 14, 2010 with Mr. S. Siddharth, Secretary to the Chief Minister of Bihar, India

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The meeting of Ms Aditi Verma with Mr. S. Siddharth, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Bihar, India was held on August 14, 2010 in the official meeting chamber, Patna at the request of Beckman Natural Disaster Aid Club, Irvine, California with regard to flood and drought of Bihar.

Brief introduction was held.
The Secretary mentioned that he had visited the web site www.bhsnda.com and he was glad to know the efforts taken by the club to mitigate the suffering of people on account of natural disaster. The main objective of this meeting was to understand how Bihar is managing flood and drought situation which this state is facing at the interval of almost every two – three year. Most of districts of northern Bihar are flood affected where as southern region of this state are drought affected.

Aditi: What are the short term steps the government takes immediately after a region is pronounced drought affected?

A: There are 6 steps we take immediately. First, we are constructing small check dams to store water where there is even small flow of water. Second, we fix the state run tube well and increase the output of electricity in rural areas to run electric pump as per need of the farmers. Third, we fix the water pumps for the farmers. During the drought season, the water level recedes and the original water pumps are unable to reach the water level. A mechanical solution is required which allows the pumps to stretch even lower and release the water. Fourth, we keep constant vigil/monitoring on canal water and coordinate with neighboring states for timely release of share of water as per agreement. Fifth, contingency plan such as provision of fodder for the cattle/live stock and drinking water is made. Sixth, the government takes measures necessary to provide special healthcare to the drought affected people and live stock.

Aditi: Are there alternate crops which can be implemented at this time?

A: Yes, there are alternate crops that are in our plan. However, right now there is still a chance of rain which is why the steps are not implemented yet. The necessary preparations are almost complete; however, in a month we will make the final decision if action is necessary. We’re keeping our fingers crossed right now.

Aditi: Can our club raise fund for Bihar drought as most of the districts have been declared drought affected?

A: Not right now, wait. More over we don’t accept check; bank draft in favour of Chief Minister Relief Fund may be accepted.

Aditi: What is the long term plan regarding drought and flood?

A: Flood and drought are juxtaposed in Bihar. Floods in Bihar are a result of excessive rains in the Himalayas in Nepal with a mismatched carrying capacity of rivers flowing in Bihar. Interlinking of rivers would help regulate the flood waters to rivers which have higher carrying capacity. A detailed study on interlinking of rivers is in process which envisages mainly construction of Dams , Canal systems and Hydropower projects and we hope linking of the rivers of Bihar will mitigate flood and drought.

Aditi: The interlinking of rivers is an international issue and requires huge budget and many years to complete this giant project, correct? Recently the Kaveri River dispute created problems for India. How will the government respond to other similar problems? Does the government expect those problems?

A: The Rivers in question do originate in Nepal and China; however, these countries may not create a problem because we are only linking the rivers on Indian soil. The changes made in India will not affect the river patterns in China or Nepal. As for the river path in Bangladesh and Pakistan, there is a sharing agreement between these nations. In addition, there is an Indo-Bangladesh Water Treaty regarding the Ganges River. With this agreement we hope to avoid conflict.
With thanks meeting was concluded.