Patna, September 3: Bihar Minister and JD(U) leader Ashok Chaudhary stated on Thursday that the state government is fully alert regarding the flood situation, with evacuations underway in low-lying areas. He emphasized that while no one can control natural disasters, the Bihar government is working diligently and proactively to manage the crisis.
In a media briefing, Chaudhary noted that the Water Resources Department is closely monitoring the situation, especially in light of alerts from Nepal. Continuous assessments are being made regarding the water flow rate and the capacity to hold back water. He mentioned that the water level of the Ganges is rising, and the Son River is also under observation. Although rainfall in Bihar has been relatively low, heavy rains in Nepal and Madhya Pradesh are affecting the state. However, he reassured that there is no need for panic at this time.
Chaudhary explained that despite less rainfall in Bihar, the state still bears the brunt of heavy downpours in neighboring regions. This is why the state government is persistently advocating for a sediment management policy. Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary had previously discussed this issue with the Union Minister for Water Resources. He pointed out that sediment accumulation has caused the Ganges basin to expand in several areas, making sediment management crucial for Bihar.
Regarding opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav’s criticisms of the central government’s economic policies, Chaudhary remarked that Yadav is not an economist and is merely making statements for opposition’s sake. He highlighted that despite crises in the Middle East, India’s economy and GDP growth remain robust. The government’s financial management has been commendable, even with rising petroleum and gas prices.
On foreign policy, Chaudhary criticized the opposition, citing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as an example. He noted that Vajpayee supported then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government for the nation’s interest, unlike current opposition leaders who question the Prime Minister and India’s foreign policy abroad. This reflects a significant difference in political thought and understanding of national and international issues.
Chaudhary also warned people against consuming large fish that may float downstream during floods. He explained that there are about 1,000 to 1,100 reservoirs in the Himalayan region, and fish from these areas during adverse conditions are not considered safe for human consumption. He urged the public to avoid eating such fish.
On the topic of reservations, he stated that it is a constitutionally guaranteed right and a highly sensitive issue. Any discussions or reviews regarding reservations should take place in Parliament, not in the media. He affirmed that JD(U) stands firm with its leadership’s ideology, emphasizing that serious discussions on reservations should occur in the parliamentary arena.
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