Centre assures steps to solve flood problem in Bihar

PATNA: The Centre today assured state government of taking effective steps in ending Bihar's yearly woe caused by the recurring floods in the state from rivers of neighbouring Nepal and Madhya Pradesh.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Union Water Resources minister Uma Bharati here.

Concluding a meeting at CM's residence at One Anne Marg, Manjhi said he informed Bharati that Bihar was suffering heavy loss due to flood every year from rivers of Nepal and also Madhya Pradesh and sought a permanent solution.

Manjhi praised the union minister for "overwhelming positive sentiment" towards the flood problem.

"She in fact went one step ahead and asked me why this problem was not taken up earlier. Her response is very encouraging," Manjhi said.

Bharati has asked the Bihar CM to send state's Water Resources minister and officials to hammer out a solution.

Manjhi also raised the issue of desiltation and pollution in River Ganga.

Bihar was frontrunner state in ridding Ganga of pollution by preparing STP. The Centre has released Rs 500 crore for cleaning of Ganga river and would provide more funds as required, Bharati said.

She also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clearcut guidelines that politics should be kept at bay and there should be centre-state partnership in development.