Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday sought a status report on the flood situation and rescue operations in flood-hit Bihar from the National Executive Committee amid contradictory reports emanating from the state.
Addressing an urgent meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority on Bihar floods in Delhi, the prime minister said, "I am told that all marooned persons have been rescued, though there are stray reports to the contrary. We need clarity on this and the National Executive Committee should give me full report within the next couple of days."
The National Executive Committee is part of the NDMA, which helps the authority in working out relief and rescue plans for disaster-hit areas.
A host of Union ministers who attended the meeting made suggestions including coordination of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction at the highest level, plugging of breach of Kosi river embankment at Kusha on priority basis, providing free foodgrains to flood victims and complete loan waiver for affected persons.
The prime minister said the initial presentation of the NDMA and the National Executive Council will throw light on many of the relevant aspects.
"After that we should seriously discuss all the points and evolve a pragmatic, time-bound and well monitored programme," he stressed.
Dr Singh said the members of NDMA, the cabinet secretary, the defence secretary and the home secretary have visited Bihar and taken stock of the situation in detail.
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