No lessons learnt; states oppose Flood Bill

June 21, 2013 12:51

Even as floods play havoc in Uttarakhand, several states have opposed the provisions of a 38-year-old Model Flood Bill aimed at minimising losses to life and property in the natural calamity.

The bill, prepared by the Central Water Commission in 1975, will empower authorities to remove dwellings from flood-prone areas.

States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have opposed the draft bill, saying rehabilitation of people who will be displaced after the dwellings are removed is a difficult task.

"They also fear that the Centre will not pay monetary compensation to them if they fail to implement the law in letter and spirit," said a senior Water Resources Ministry official.

"Today several such low-lying areas have been given for commercial development and the onus of protecting lives and property in such areas lies with the state governments. They know they cannot seek compensation for damage caused in such areas," the official said.

There are some states which have not responded to the model bill.

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