Bihar Congress on Monday asked the Centre to declare the storms that ravaged the state a natural calamity. The party claimed that the storm has caused large-scale destruction to life and property and that the Central government must announce a package for relief and reconstruction apart from waiving off loans for farmers.
A Congress delegation recently visited 10-12 villages in Purnea district - worst affected by cyclonic storm last week - and found to their horror a trail of destruction left behind by the calamity.
– Ashok Chaudhary, Bihar Congress President
Chaudhary said that there has been massive loss of life and property in Purnea district with the farmers being worst hit as their crops and houses have been extensively damaged.
He said that the Congress will submit a memorandum to the Centre through the Governor on Tuesday. The memorandum will consist of its charter of demands for relief and rehabilitation works arising out of cyclonic storm in Bihar.
Lauding the Central Ministers and the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for rushing to Purnea to inspect the situation and take first-hand account of devastation caused by the storm, Chaudhary said that much more was needed to be done to provide succour to the affected people.
The Bihar Congress leader also said that the state government has already launched relief and rehabilitation works in the district and adjoining areas, but the Centre must chip-in too.
A powerful cyclonic storm had rocked Eastern and North-Eastern districts of Bihar last week. At least 55 people were killed and thousands of houses razed in high velocity wind accompanied by hailstorm. The storm had also extensively damaged standing crops.
(With inputs from PTI)
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