CM Reviews Flood and Drought Preparedness, Orders Full Alert Across Departments

Patna, May 2026: Chief Minister chaired a review meeting at the “Samvad” Hall in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat regarding preparedness for possible flood and drought situations. District Magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police from all districts joined the meeting through video conferencing.

The Meteorological Centre, Patna informed that this year’s monsoon season may witness below-normal rainfall in June and July, normal rainfall in August, and below-normal rainfall again in September. Southern Bihar is likely to receive below-average rainfall, while northern Bihar may receive normal rainfall.

The Department of Disaster Management presented a detailed briefing on pre-monsoon preparedness, including implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The department provided instructions on boat arrangements, polythene sheets, availability of relief materials, medicines, cattle fodder, flood shelters, community kitchens, dry ration kits, and operation of district emergency control rooms.

Officials from various departments—including Urban Development, Agriculture, Road Construction, Health, Water Resources, Dairy/Fisheries/Animal Husbandry, and Public Health Engineering—shared detailed updates on preparedness measures for flood and drought situations.

The Vice Chairman of the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) also briefed about awareness campaigns and ongoing disaster response activities.

The Chief Minister directed all officials and District Magistrates to remain fully alert, keeping in view the possibility of both floods and droughts. He stressed that disasters must be prevented from turning into crises, and that people must receive full support in times of emergency. He said the government stands firmly with the people, and the first claim on the state treasury belongs to disaster-affected citizens.

He further instructed that in areas prone to flooding, embankments and road construction works must be completed by May 31 without delay. The Disaster Management Department was directed to remain continuously active in monitoring conditions and ensuring that no citizen faces hardship.

The Chief Minister emphasized that all necessary arrangements must be completed in advance and that officials must ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply and monitoring of groundwater levels. Adequate arrangements for cattle fodder must also be ensured in flood-affected areas.

He noted that this year is expected to be extremely hot and stressed the need for constant vigilance, awareness, and preparedness at all levels. He directed inter-departmental coordination to ensure that relief and essential services reach people efficiently.

Deputy Chief Ministers, ministers, chief secretary-level officers, departmental secretaries, senior police officials, and other top administrators attended the meeting, while district officials participated via video conferencing.