Kosi rehabilitation policy cleared

The Rs 14,808.95 crore multi-purpose Kosi Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Policy-2008 aimed at providing means of livelihood, community facilities and reconstructing the houses of those displaced by the severe flood.

The Rs 14,808.95 crore multi-purpose Kosi Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Policy-2008 aimed at providing means of livelihood, community facilities and reconstructing the houses of those displaced by the severe flood got the state cabinet's nod late on Tuesday night.

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Vast swathes of north Bihar was flooded this year after water from river Kosi swamped the area following a breach in the embankment at Kusaha in Nepal on August 18.

Cabinet and Coordination Secretary Girish Shanker said the state cabinet cleared the policy which would be implemented by money from Calamity Relief Fund and various other components of Central and state schemes.

For the sucessful implementation of the policy, the state would go for multilateral funding besides involving the private sector and Non-Government Organisations (NGO), Shanker said.

Panchyati Raj institutions and other related institutions would be involved for better implementation of the policy, he said.

The state cabinet also approved Kosi Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Committee headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for sanctioning the schemes and policy matters.

Two technical experts on earthquakes and construction and members of the disaster management authority would also be included as members of the committee.

The committee will also have legislators, MPs and representatives of recognised political parties of five north Bihar districts ravaged by river Kosi as members, the cabinet secretary said.