Flood-hit Bihar battles shortage of drinking water

PRECIOUS WATER: Civic amenities have been thrown out of gear as people battle the deluge

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Patna: The battle to save Bihar and its populace has a newer worry angle to it. The state where millions have been rendered homeless after the river Kosi burst its banks, there has been a shortage of clean drinking water.

It is literally the case of 'water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink' for those unfortunate people caught in the flood-hit areas.

With civic services to purify and supply potable water hit as never before, there is a severe shortage of clean drinking water in the affected areas

The biggest worry now for the authorities is that people are faced with no choice but to drink contaminated flood water. And the added worry is that it will bring disease to the already harassed people, compounding their misery.

Officials say unsafe drinking water and the unhygienic conditions in relief camps pose a high health risk to people.

Rains though have eased up. The Kosi's flow into the Ganga river too has picked up, which means water levels are not increasing.

But its small consolation for lakhs of those waiting for food and shelter.

Meanwhile, an additional 10,000 tonnes of kerosene will be allocated to the state, the petroleum ministry said on Monday.

Currently, Bihar is allocated 54,000 tonnes of superior kerosene oil.

But, after a request from the Bihar chief minister, the quantum has been increased to deal with the massive relief efforts. The kerosene will be mostly used in the community kitchens set up in the government relief camps.

Similar instructions were also issued for transportation fuels like petroleum and diesel.

The petroleum ministry has, meanwhile, asked oil marketing companies to provide relief supplies valued at Rs.50 million through accredited agencies like the Red Cross Society of India.

(With inputs from IANS)