Post-flood rehabilitation programme

The latest assessment indicates a much higher extent of human sufferings and other losses on account of the floods than what was earlier considered to be the case. Floods hit the country's northwestern region this year; its other parts , however, have largely remained unaffected. When rivers initially started swelling, people, particularly in rural areas, did otherwise welcome it. This was because they were deprived of benefits of normal flooding for the last four years. But when the on-rush of flood waters suddenly swept large swathes, it caught the people of the northwestern region off guard. There was also no early warning about such flooding by weather experts. That explained why sufferings of flood victims were overwhelming for several millions who were not prepared for it. Shortage of food, pure drinking water, sanitation and healthcare facilities in the affected areas have extensively been reported by the media.

Nearly three million people of some 629,243 families in 20 districts, according to official statistics, were affected by the flood that started from mid-August. Climate change has been attributed to this untimely flooding. Although lesser than normal precipitation was observed during the peak time of monsoon in July, heavy downpour took place in many places of the country late in August. Less precipitation at over 30 per cent was recorded in July this year against the expected rainfall. Farmers usually depend on rainwater for planting Aman paddy. But this year, there was not that much rainfall during the planting period in July. The situation was so precarious this year that the jute farmers had to face difficulty in processing the fibre, after retting the same, as there was a lack of water in rivers and other water bodies due to scanty rainfall in July. Many of them had piled up harvested jute plants in their fields since there was lack of water to ret those.

But the sudden floods extensively damaged standing crops on, at least, 200,000 hectares in 24 districts causing heavy losses to farmers. Aus and Aman paddy seedlings and saplings suffered extensive damage as did jute, vegetables, chillies, bananas and other seasonal fruits. Croplands were severely inundated in the northern and western districts extensively damaging the standing transplanted Aman crop.

What makes a sad commentary on the state of affairs is that the initiatives in response to the situation on the part of both the government and the non-government organisations (NGOs) have been quite insufficient. This is particularly so, in consideration of a large number of people being badly hit by the flood and the severe river erosion associated with it. The support for supplies of safe drinking water and ensuring proper sanitation facilities have still remained largely ignored. This time only a few NGOs have come up with assistance. This has furthermore aggravated the woes of the affected people.

Now that flood waters have started receding, it is high time that the government formulated a comprehensive emergency plan to go for post-flood rehabilitation of farmers. Their huge losses have to be recouped through well-targeted cash assistance and supply of free inputs including seeds in order to ensure the country's food security. The region battered by this year's flood is the one that fills its granary and grows vegetables for the whole country. This makes the case stronger for a properly-designed post-flood rehabilitation programme and its effective implementation.