Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at the 13th meeting of the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority in Patna on April 7, 2026.
By A Correspondent
Patna: The 13th meeting of the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority was held at the Sankalp Hall on Anne Marg under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Vice-Chairman Dr Uday Kant presented a detailed report on the Authority’s activities, including a review of compliance with decisions taken at the 12th meeting and an assessment of the current status of various initiatives.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that since assuming office on November 24, 2005, the state government has undertaken extensive measures to strengthen disaster management. Standard operating procedures have been developed to effectively deal with floods, droughts, lightning, earthquakes and heatwaves.
He highlighted that provisions have been made to provide free food, cash assistance, crop compensation, housing aid and livestock compensation to people affected by natural disasters. The Chief Minister also noted that a new, modern and earthquake-resistant building—Sardar Patel Bhawan—now houses the Disaster Management Department along with the Authority. The facility includes a helipad for emergency use and a State-level Disaster Control Centre, which has significantly enhanced response capabilities.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Nitish Kumar said that disaster victims have the first claim on the state exchequer and stressed the need for timely assistance and efficient management.
A short film showcasing the authority’s work was screened during the meeting. The Chief Minister also released a book titled “Bihar’s Disaster Management Journey”.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Disaster Management Minister Niranjan Prasad, senior officials of the authority and other top administrative officers. Ministers and senior officials from various departments also participated via video conferencing.
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