From Neglect to Preparedness: Bihar’s Journey Toward a Disaster-Resilient State

Before 2005, no disaster relief measures were implemented in the state. No concrete measures were put in place to protect against floods, droughts, fires, earthquakes, etc. People in North Bihar suffered from floods, while those in Southwest Bihar suffered from drought, yet the then government was not at all concerned. There was a severe lack of resources for disaster relief. Government coffers were plundered in the name of disaster relief. Flood victims had to struggle for months to receive even the little they received. Those in power embezzled crores of rupees in the name of providing relief materials to flood victims. The flood relief scam made headlines in newspapers across the country.

When the new government was formed in the state on November 24, 2005, we prioritized disaster management. First, we established a separate Disaster Management Department in the state, ensuring all disaster-related work could be handled under one roof. In 2010, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disasters was formulated, which clearly outlines pre-flood and drought preparedness, relief and rescue, and post-flood and drought response. During a disaster, relief materials were delivered to affected people without delay, ensuring rapid relief. During the crisis, arrangements were made to immediately provide dry relief materials to those in need, including chuda (chickpea flour), jaggery, flour, rice, lentils, chickpeas, drinking water packets, essential medicines, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, buckets, soap, candles, matches, and basic household items like clothing. Additionally, we immediately began distributing one quintal of grain to flood-affected families. At that time, some people began calling him "Quintalia Baba." Community kitchens were also established for the affected people.

In response to the hardships faced by flood victims, we began providing a grant in 2007, which has now increased to ₹7,000, which is transferred directly to flood-affected people's accounts through DBT. We believe that disaster victims have the first right to the state treasury. Therefore, we ensure that people do not face any difficulties during a disaster.

Relief camps are set up in safe locations for the affected areas, with kitchens equipped with adequate food and drink. Special attention is paid to cleanliness and food quality in the relief camps. Flood victims are provided with breakfast, nutritious meals for lunch and dinner, milk for children, and sanitary napkins for women. Medical camps led by doctors are set up in relief camps to ensure the health of flood victims. Anganwadi centers are also operated in relief camps for young children.

For people sheltering in flood relief camps, clothing and utensils, as well as soap, oil, combs, etc., are provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Additionally, during the evacuation of people during the flood season, an amount of ₹10,000 is provided for each newborn boy and ₹15,000 for each newborn girl born on a boat, in a hospital, or in a relief camp.

A large number of animals are also affected during floods. Animal relief camps are also operated near flood relief camps, where adequate arrangements for fodder, water, and medical care are made for the animals. In addition to animal camps, mobile veterinary teams are also deployed in flood-affected areas.

With the onset of the monsoon season, instructions are issued to officials of the relevant departments to maintain vigilance by providing adequate resources to the Kosi, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, and Mahananda rivers, which originate from the Himalayas bordering Nepal in North Bihar. To minimize damage to property, life, and agriculture due to sudden surges in these rivers, the officials of the relevant departments are instructed to provide adequate resources. Similarly, in drought-affected southwestern Bihar, particularly in Gaya, Nawada, Rohtas, and Aurangabad, measures have been taken to address the water crisis due to low rainfall. Similarly, several scientific measures have been implemented to prevent fires and earthquakes.

To address disasters, we established the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) in 2007 under Section 14 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Its primary objective was to build a safe and disaster-resilient Bihar by developing a comprehensive, proactive, and technology-driven disaster management strategy. We have also taken numerous measures to protect life and property during floods in the state. In 2010, we established the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), modeled after the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The SDRF plays a vital role in search, rescue, and relief operations during floods, earthquakes, fires, and other natural and man-made disasters in the state.

Similarly, we formulated a Drought Management Policy in 2011, which included significant coordination between the Agriculture and Water Resources Departments. The second Agriculture Roadmap, implemented in 2012, focused on drought-resistant crops and water conservation. Additionally, the "Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan" was launched in the state in 2019 as part of water conservation and irrigation projects. 

It aims to combat drought through rainwater harvesting, pond revival, tree plantation, and groundwater level enhancement. A large number of water structures, such as ponds, ahars, pains, wells, and soak pits, have been renovated and constructed across the state. This has significantly improved groundwater levels. Mini-lift irrigation projects and solar pump sets are also being installed in drought-affected districts to ensure "irrigation water reaches every farm," ensuring good crop yields and increased farmer income. Dedicated agricultural feeders have been established for farmers to ensure uninterrupted power supply for irrigation.

Continuous work is underway to address flooding and develop irrigation facilities. By March 2025, approximately 1.4 million hectares of flood-prone areas have been protected by constructing a total of 370 kilometers of new embankments. Additionally, approximately 600 kilometers of embankments have been upgraded and strengthened. The incidence of embankment breaches has decreased, providing relief to people from flooding. The implementation of the Western Kosi Canal Project, the Kamala Barrage Project, the Tal Area Development Scheme, the incomplete Durgawati Irrigation Project, and the River Silt Removal Scheme has not only relieved people of the flood problem but also provided farmers with extensive irrigation facilities.

Remember the work we have done to protect the people of the state from various disasters. We will continue to work in this manner and ensure a permanent solution to floods. We deliver on what we promise.