Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a)        whether there is any proposal under Government’s consideration on appoint a high power judicial commission to go into the circumstances that led to breach of dam and embankment of river Kosi in the Nepalese territory, which caused unprecedented floods in Bihar inundating large areas in the State;

(b)        if so, the composition thereof, the terms of reference and time to be allowed to the Commission to submit its report; and

(c)        if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES
(PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ)

(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 44 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.10.2008 REGARDING “APPOINTMENT OF JUDICIAL COMMISSION ON KOSI FLOODS” BY SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR

(a)                No, Sir.

(b)                Does not arise.

(c)                As the breach in eastern afflux bund of Kosi Barrage has occurred in Nepal, it has not been considered appropriate to appoint a Judicial Commission.