BIHAR FLOODS- INDIA'S SHAME- OUR HEARTS WEEP

I would like to share an article with you, read in as column in a newspaper. The Prime Minister reacted to the flood crisis on august 28, ten crucial days after, the flooding began in Bihar. Too few army rescuers have been sent by centre, and too late. State police is missing from rescue and relief sites. There is a complete collapse of support from local govt. and panchayat officials. Relief distribution is so unplanned and tardy that the able-bodied get relief again & again and the weak watch helplessly.

Dalits in flood effected areas are finding that they are last to be evacuated or given relief. The administration acts thru mukhias and sarpanches, who mostly belong to forward castes and care more for their own kin and caste fellows. A dalit said " We have nothing to eat, Even the snails we were eating, have been carried away by the flood waters ". The boatmen, demand bribes to give dalits a place in the rescue boats. One dalit said " As if, we do not count ". The well to do get away in boats. The boats never come back. When the rich have left, the poor are surviving by boiling leaves and drinking the concotion. There is no drinking water as the wells are submerged in floods. To add salt to the wound, the Industries Minister Mr. Yadav, who is in charge for flood relief camp is on inaugration spree, cutting ribbons with great fanfare. Inaugrating a relief camp is a ridiculous idea.

Is it the same country, where more priotity is given to join NSG ( nuclear members club ) and floods are forgotten.


I think we are a billion people. Politicians dont care, if a few thousand people die here are there.