Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a)        the manpower, helicopters, mechanized boats and other equipments needed for the rescue of flood affected population that were available with National Disaster Management Authority as on 1st August, 2008;

(b)        the number of persons rescued by the Authority in Bihar during August/September and the extent of food and potable water made available for flood victims during the period; and

(c)        the expenditure incurred on those operations and how much time was taken by the authority to spring into action after it was informed by State Government?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRIMATI RADHIKA V. SELVI)

(a):       National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has informed that as on 1st August, 2008, seven NDRF Battalions and 36 BAUT (Boats Automatic Universal Type) were available with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). However, 855 NDRF personnel with 160 Boats including 94 NDRF Inflatable Mechanized/ BAUT procured during August, 2008 as well as received from CPMFs were deployed for flood rescue operation in Bihar. Helicopters and other air support were provided by Indian Air Force on need basis.

(b):       A total of 1, 02,125 (One lakh two thousand one hundred twenty five) persons/ victims were rescued by NDRF personnel during August/ September, 2008, whereas 4,19,800 (Four lakh nineteen thousands eight hundred) potable / mineral water bottles were made available to Government of Bihar by NDMA for victims of flood during the period.

(c):       No expenditure was incurred by NDMA on providing flood relief operations in Bihar. However, bills on account of airlift for Rs.1.07 crore (Rupees One crore seven lakh) and procuring of 4,19,800 potable/ mineral water bottles for Rs.36,85,525/- (Rupees Thirty six lakh eighty five thousand five hundred twenty five) received from Air HQrs New Delhi and suppliers of potable/ mineral water bottles respectively are being sent to Government of Bihar for payment.

The personnel of NDRF Bn with available boats swung into action within two hours of receipt of telephonic message followed by a fax message from Government of Bihar on 20th August 2008.