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Journalism of Courage
A model floodplain zone bill aimed to restrict construction on riverbeds and avoid floods,which was drafted in 1975,is yet to make headway with the states not responding to the proposal. Most of the buildings washed away in Uttarakhand were built on river beds,with official data putting the number of completely damaged buildings at 365.
Recently,the National Disaster Management Authority sent the draft bill to states,asking them to take steps to prevent construction on riverbeds. Except Rajasthan and Manipur,none responded
The NDMA,apex body for policies on natural disasters,could do little in flood-affected Uttarakhand because it does not have presence in the state. Forces,therefore,were rushed from elsewhere,officials said.
An NDMA move to raise a battalion in Uttarakhand has been stuck for want of funds since 2008. Another proposal for 12 satellite phones is also stuck. Water will find its way. If you control the flow of water by various constructions,floods are bound to happen, said M Shashidhar Reddy,Vice-Chairman,NDMA.
Besides 13 teams of the National Disaster Relief Force,around 5,500 Army personnel,3,000 men from the Border Roads Organisation and 3,000 ITBP personnel are engaged in relief and rescue efforts. The Air Force has deployed 18 helicopters and a C-130 aircraft. The state has also roped in private helicopters.
