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Journalism of Courage
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has directed the Water Resources Ministry to set up a task force by July 31 to look into the problems of recurring floods in Assam and neighbouring states, even as the flood situation remained grim in the region.
The task force would suggest short- and long-term measures and sources of funding for tackling the problem of floods, an official release said today.
Singh has also asked the ministry to send a central team to assess damage to the highways. He has also directed the Finance Ministry to take appropriate action on the issue of converting Rs 380 crore central assistance to grant as assured to the Assam government, the release added.
Meanwhile, there was no improvement in the flood situation in Assam with fresh rain reported in the upper reaches of rivers Kaplili, Kiling and Kollong, signalling a further rise in water level. The death toll stood at 130, and IAF choppers had so far rescued 300 marooned people.
Landlocked Tripura was today cut off from the rest of the country after a large portion of National Highway 44 was submerged at Badarpur in Assam, official sources said.
In Patna, Bihar Chief Secretary K.A.H. Subramanian said the PM would make an aerial survey of flood-hit districts of Bihar on July 27, even as the toll in the state rose to 199. The PM would also meet representatives of different parties at Patna airport and discuss relief and rehabilitation measures with state officials. The Centre has also constituted a committee to assess the damage caused by the floods in Bihar.
Atal to visit Bihar on July 25
PATNA: Former PM A.B.Vajpayee will visit Bihar on July 25 to asses the flood situation in the state, dubbed as the worst in last two decades. During his day-long visit, he will make an aerial survey of the affected areas in north Bihar. — PTI
