The final day of the Budget Session in the Bihar Legislative Assembly saw significant commotion as leaders discussed crucial issues and even criticized their own government. One major point of contention was the demand for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to be deployed at the subdivision level. Legislators highlighted the need for enhanced disaster management, citing instances where timely relief efforts were hindered by the absence of SDRF teams at grassroots levels.
Begusarai MLA Kundan Kumar raised concerns about the high number of drowning deaths in 2024–25, urging for SDRF teams to be stationed at subdivision levels. Other MLAs, including those from Sitamarhi and Chhatapur, echoed this demand, emphasizing the importance of swift and effective disaster response mechanisms. They stressed that expanding the SDRF’s reach is crucial to ensuring prompt assistance during emergencies.
In response to these issues, Water Resource and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary assured the Assembly that the government is actively working on expanding the SDRF. He mentioned the establishment of the SDRF headquarters in Patna’s Bihta and the ongoing training of personnel at national and international levels. The government’s plan includes gradually extending the SDRF’s presence to subdivision levels to enhance emergency response capabilities and minimize loss of life and property.
The government’s commitment to bolstering disaster management infrastructure in Bihar is evident as discussions continue on improving the state’s readiness to handle emergencies effectively.
