Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday directed officials to remain on high alert and intensify preparations to tackle possible flood and drought situations, following forecasts of fluctuating monsoon rainfall between June and September.
Review Meeting on Preparedness
Reviewing the state’s preparedness at a meeting held at the Samvad auditorium in the chief minister’s secretariat, Choudhary asked officials and engineers from all relevant departments to take preventive measures in advance and ensure that people do not suffer during any natural calamity.
“All officials and district magistrates should remain on high alert, taking into account both flood and drought conditions that might befall the people of the state. Ensure that the disaster does not turn into misfortune for them,” Choudhary said.
District magistrates and senior police officers from across Bihar joined the meeting through videoconferencing.
IMD Forecast and Regional Impact
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) presented a forecast indicating that Bihar is likely to experience uneven rainfall during the monsoon season. According to the forecast, June and July may receive below-normal rainfall, August is expected to have normal rainfall, while September could again see below-normal rain. The IMD also indicated that south Bihar may receive less rainfall than normal, whereas north Bihar is expected to get normal rainfall.
Key Instructions from the Chief Minister
Choudhary instructed officials to strengthen embankment protection in flood-prone districts and complete all preparedness-related schemes by May 31. He emphasized that people affected by floods and drought have the first right over state resources and directed officials to cooperate fully with citizens during emergencies.
He also asked the disaster management department to continuously monitor the situation and ensure timely availability of drinking water, dry cattle fodder, and relief materials.
Preparedness Measures in Place
Disaster Management Department Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall informed the meeting that all district magistrates have been issued guidelines regarding the mobilization of boats, polythene sheets, medicines, cattle fodder, relief centers, community kitchens, and dry ration supplies.
Disaster Management Authority Vice-Chairman Uday Kant Mishra said an alert mechanism has also been put in place to warn people about possible flood and drought conditions.
Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, along with other ministers, attended the review meeting.
