COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA

CENTRAL OFFICE

AJOY BHAVAN
15, KOTLA MARG
NEW DELHI-110002
PHONE: 23235546, 23235099,
23235058,23237972
FAX :(9111)23235543

Resolution of Kosi Floods

Unprecedented devastation caused by Kosi floods in Bihar has shocked the nation. Breaching its embankment at Kusaha in Nepal on 18^th August 2008, The river Kosi changed its course, swept away dozens of villages on its way, submerged large areas of Supaul, Madhepura , Saharsa, Araria. Purnea and Katihar districts, causing incalculable loss of life and property and untold miseries for 30 lakh people of the affected areas.

 The river Kosi is known for changing its course. But since the construction of Kosi Barrage and embankments in 1950’s, it is the first time that the river has changed its course by breaching the afflux embankments and has taken a course over 100 KM away from its regular course. This has happened because of the failure of the Govt in protecting the embankment.

 This national calamity, is the result of criminal negligence of the state as well as the central Govt as both of them are responsible for protection of the embankment inside the territory of Nepal.

Epidemics have broken. Large amount of medicines and medical aid are needed immediately. In addition to food, cloths, utensils, fodder and medicines, a large number of halogen tablets are required as problem of safe drinking water is most acute.

The National Executive Committee of the CPI expresses its deep sympathy for and solidarity with the suffering people of Bihar, condemns the negligence of the state and central Govt in protecting the embankment and pledges all support and help in relief operations and rehabilitation. 

 The National Executive calls upon the people  at large, especially the mass organisations, to come forward and help the suffering people of Bihar by joining in this stupendous task of relief and rehabilitation. 

The National Executive demands from the central and Bihar Govts to :

Close the breach in the embankment and divert  the river to its regular course immediately.

• Ensure safety of embankments
• Ensure that all benefits of the Disaster Management Act 2005 reach each and every victim of the Kosi disaster.
• Provide relief to all those who are still out of the relief camps.
• Conduct massive rehabilation operation to rebuild the life of the people devastated by Kosi.  
• Hold joint consultation with Government of Nepal to create a joint mechanism to solve the problems of construction work.     

[Press 8]