Patna, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : The flood situation in Bihar continues to escalate, raising alarm among officials and residents alike. Many villages are now cut off from road access, exacerbating the crisis. Shyam Rajak, the national general secretary of the Janata Dal (United), described the conditions in affected areas as extremely dire. He urged the government to expedite relief efforts and ensure that aid reaches those in need.
Rajak highlighted that in regions where roads have been severed, air drops have become essential for delivering food. He noted that numerous routes have been disrupted, leaving residents in urgent need of assistance. While the Water Resources Department and local administration are working with limited resources, Rajak stressed that more engineers, construction materials, and other critical supplies are necessary to address the situation effectively.
Approximately 16 to 17 villages are severely impacted due to the loss of road connectivity. Residents face significant challenges in accessing essential goods. Currently, boats serve as the only means of transportation in many affected areas, yet their numbers fall far short of demand. Some locations have as few as two boats available. Officials have promised to provide additional boats, but Rajak indicated that at least 25 to 30 would be required to meet the needs of the people.
With road access compromised and insufficient boats, delivering food to these isolated communities has become increasingly difficult. Rajak warned that if timely assistance is not provided, the situation could worsen significantly. He also mentioned the tragic deaths of three girls in his area, calling for a swift post-mortem process. He urged the government to ensure 24-hour availability of post-mortem facilities and to assign doctors in shifts for timely procedures, allowing families to proceed with funerals. Furthermore, he insisted that affected families should receive the promised government aid without delay.
Responding to accusations from the opposition regarding the government’s handling of the flood crisis, Rajak expressed strong discontent. He emphasized the importance of being present among the affected communities during such disasters rather than simply delivering speeches from a distance. He noted that whether the flood should be declared a national disaster is a separate issue, but the state government is actively engaged in relief efforts.
Rajak advised opposition leaders to focus on assisting flood-affected individuals instead of making statements. He stressed that during such crises, the government cannot act alone; all sectors of society, including businesses, universities, social organizations, and political parties, must unite to provide relief. He appealed to the affluent to contribute resources to help those in need.
Regarding a recent building collapse in Delhi, Rajak confirmed that the government has ordered an investigation. He assured that action would be taken against anyone found responsible once the report is released. He also pointed out that many buildings in Patna are at risk of similar accidents, citing areas like Anisabad, Yarpur, Kanhaiya Nagar, and Chehdi Tola, where residents live in old and dilapidated structures.
Rajak reiterated his previous requests to the Chief Minister and relevant ministers to address these hazardous conditions. He called for the identification of impoverished families living in unsafe housing and the construction of secure apartments for them.
On the controversy surrounding Mallikarjun Kharge, Rajak commented that issues like untouchability cannot be resolved through politics alone. He acknowledged the persistence of caste discrimination in rural areas, despite years of independence. He emphasized that merely enacting laws is insufficient; societal attitudes must change to eradicate such deep-rooted issues.
Drawing on the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Rajak stated that the Constitution will only be effective if it is implemented in practice. He warned that without societal awareness and acceptance of equal rights, legal measures alone will not eliminate social evils like untouchability.
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