MPs appeal for disaster management policy

Raising the discussion, Ajay Chakraborty CPI said that the Central Government should provide financial assistance to affected persons, especially farmers.

He said that the Government should take all possible steps to prevent natural calamities in the future.

Thanking Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee for announcing a grant of Rs 250 crore for the relief of those affected by the recent cyclone in Orissa, Anadi Charan Sahu BJP said the Central Government should set up mechanism for detecting cyclone in the coastal areas. If possible, a cyclone warning Centre should be set up at every five km of the coastal belt.

Healso suggested that the relief code should be changed by delegating more powers to the elected representatives.

K P Singh Deo Congress called for a national effort to safeguard against disasters and said it should not be restricted to state governments alone.

M Jagannath TDP said the Central Government should help states and areas worst hit by cyclones.

Sukhdeo Paswan, RJD, urged the Central Government to provide Rs 1,000 crore for disaster management. He suggested that the government provide national institute of disaster management.

Rajiv Pratap Rudi, BJP, said flood affected areas needed urgent help.

D P Yadav JD-U said as per the survey of the National Council for Applied Economic Research 16 per cent of the people had incomes of Rs three per day. Also 18 per cent of the people in the country were below Rs five per day. He wondered what the condition of the people in such categories would be in the event of a natural calamity.