An inundated middle school in Gopalpur. Picture by Amit Kumar

The government is prepared to fight flood and drought situations, its ministers informed the Assembly in a special debate on Thursday. The BJP and the RJD, however, staged a walkout over the issue.

Agriculture minister Narendra Singh said: “The government is well prepared to fight issues such as flood and drought, but so far there is no such situation. The government has taken many steps for the benefit of farmers so that they carry out their cultivation smoothly.”

The BJP, however, walked out after demanding 24 districts be declared drought-hit.

While Singh was speaking, Leader of Opposition Nand Kishore Yadav said: “We are not happy with your assurance and you must declare 24 districts drought-hit, otherwise there is no use of this debate.” The BJP leaders then walked out of the House, as the RJD members followed suit.

In the beginning of the debate, Nand Kishore had mentioned the Met department’s record. He said the state had received only 330mm rainfall till July, which was below average, and because of that, 24 districts are drought-hit.

The agriculture minister accepted that the districts of Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria and Purnea are flood affected. He added that relief camps have been set up and relief material has been distributed.

Water resources minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, however, said: “Water is being released from the rivers in Nepal because of which north Bihar is flooded. It is an international matter on which only the Centre can speak to Nepal.”

Schools flooded

Classes of at least 42 inundated schools in Bhagalpur district will be conducted at higher locations so that floodwater does not hamper education.

The education department has taken steps to shift the students to schools unaffected by the floods. Additional teachers are also being deputed to ensure the students do not fall back in their studies.

Institutions have closed down in Ismailpur, Gopalpur, Kahalgaon, Nathnagar and Sabour blocks. Ismailpur block education extension officer Bhabesh Murmu said 28 schools, including a high school, are affected. Three schools have been washed away.