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(iv) Need to take steps to control recurring floods in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh
SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA (Sitapur): Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as per the report in regard to the flood situation in the country, the total affected area in the year 1960 was 76.3 lakh hectares out of which 26.5 lakh hectares was agricultural land, in 1970 the total affected area was 84.5 lakh hectares, out of which agricultural land was 48.5 lakh hectares. Similarly, in the year 1980 the total affected area was 114.2 lakh hectares out of which agricultural land was 55.5 lakh hectares. It is evident from the above data that the loss due to the floods has been on the increase inspite of the measures taken to control the floods. The document on Seventh Five Year Plan (1985) clearly admits that expenditure on flood control measures in different five year plans has increased and at the same time the total area covered under flood control measures has also gone up. The document has also disclosed that Government has been spending more on flood relief measures than on flood control measures. The matter of concern is not that
673 Matters Under Rule 377
there are more floods, but the nature of flood which has been changing and causing more damage. This is the exact position in the Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh where Chauka river is changing its course every year thus causing heavy floods in the area. Besides, Kevani, Gobarhiya, Ghagra and Saryu river flow in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh due to which major parts of Biswa, Behatas and Laharpur assembly constituencies come under the grip of heavy floods every year. Therefore, I request the honourable Minister for Water Resources to see to it that a survey is conducted in the flood affected area immediately and urgent measures are taken to provide relief to the people in Sitapur district.
09.09.91