With flood situation in Bihar turning grim, state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought central assistance of Rs 1,000 crore and one lakh tonnes of foodgrain immediately for the affected people.
After meeting Singh, Kumar told reporters here that "the Prime Minister has assured me all help. I am confident of getting full support of the central government."
"I requested the PM to give the state a relief package of Rs 1,000 crore and one lakh tonnes of foodgrain, preferably rice, to be distributed among the flood victims", Kumar said adding the PM will be carrying out an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas in Bihar tomorrow.
Pointing out that evacuation of marooned people stuck is on the top of his government's agenda, Kumar feared that the situation could turn worse in the months to come when the Kosi river releases more water.
Kumar also sought boats and tents in large numbers from the Centre to evacuate the flood victims and shelter them in safer areas.
"People in the worst-affected areas need to be evacauted early. The evacuated people may have to be kept in safer areas for a period of two to six months, which require a huge expenditure", the Chief Minister said.
Kumar said the number of affected people currently is 11 lakh, which can go up to 25 lakh if there is a further rise in the water level of Koshi, as has been the trend during September-October.
The government is currently estimating to keep 10 to 15 lakh people in tents, he said.
