Tag: NDMA

Saugata Roy speaks on the earthquake tragedy in Nepal and India | Full Transcript

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Madam, I am drawing the attention of the House to the terrible human tragedy that happened in our neighbouring country of Nepal on the 25 April, 2015.

The earthquake with the epicentre near Pokhra in Nepal caused by shifting of tectonic plates in Himalayas has caused immense damage in that country with number of deaths crossing 2400 and 1000 injured. Huge amount of property has been destroyed in that country. It is good that Government of India has sent rescue teams with relief materials to Nepal through the Indian Air Force as a humanitarian gesture.

The earthquake has also affected India. At least 63 people are dead – 46 in Bihar, 13 in UP, 2 each in West Bengal and Rajasthan.One hundred and fifty six people have been injured in Bihar, 43 in UP and 52 in West Bengal and also some in Sikkim. The Government of India has been in touch with these States for relief. More needs to be done in the form of disaster relief.

The West Bengal Chief Minister has gone to north Bengal, where the earthquake happened, to supervise relief and rescue operations.

We are told that the National Disaster Management Authority is supervising relief work in Nepal and in India. But I would like to know how much money has been released from National Disaster Relief Fund for different states.

Madam, earthquakes cannot be prevented. There are large numbers of high-rises as well as illegal construction. The Government should examine whether these buildings are earthquake-resistant and whether proper disaster management teams are in place in the big cities which will be affected more by the earthquake.

I express deep sorrow at the deaths including those who died at the Everest Base Camp.

Derek O’Brien speaks on the earthquake tragedy in Nepal and India | Full Transcript

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Deputy Speaker Sir,

Desmond Doig, the famous journalist who lived in Kolkata and spent most of his time in Kathmandu in Nepal – he died many years ago – remembered the country for the comforting vision of Nepal with its emerald fields and terracotta huts and purple rain. In the last two days what we saw was anything but comforting.

On behalf of everyone in the country, as well as West Bengal, where we had casualties, we convey our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives.

Sir, for such a situation like this, our belief is that, the formula has to be PIC – Preparedness, Infrastructure and Communication. Since it is a different country, I should not comment on infrastructure. We should also prepare ourselves for facing disasters like these.

From an Indian point of view, our learning yesterday was, whether it was central government or the state government – governments of UP, Bengal and Bihar – the communication was very, very strong. Whether it was the Chief Minister of Bengal or the Prime Minister’s Office or other offices, communication went out well.

It is my duty to inform this House what happened in Bengal in terms of rescue. The disaster management teams were monitoring the situation. Everyone forgot about the local municipal elections. The administration was very focussed on the rescue efforts.

Disaster management meetings were chaired by the Chief Minister and the teams went out that evening. Everyone was very concerned. 15 mountaineers from Bengal came back safely.

Yesterday the Chief Minister of Bengal was in north Bengal, monitoring the situation. She had the opportunity to meet the families of those who had lost their lives.

The communication efforts, the disaster management efforts, specially up in north Bengal – Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling – were very well handled. In these situations, we always look up to the Army, Navy and the Air Force. They must also be congratulated.

I want to end with a suggestion, Sir. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was dissolved. Not that having an NDMA would have solved the earthquake problem, but out of a board of 12 odd members, only three members have been appointed so far. My humble suggestion to the government is not to keep those seats vacant.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Nepal and the people of the States which are affected.