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The
recent rainfall in South Bihar of 300mm, which
is much higher than what Bihar usually gets in a
whole rainy season, is an eye opener for the
public. I do not know if it will really bring
the politicians and bureaucrats from their
dreams. The typical conditions in Bihar of
narrow roads made even narrower by unauthorized
construction, pose a number of dangers to the
population. I recently read a report that in an
earthquake of a six magnitude, one third of the
Bihar population will be wiped out. Managing
population growth is one thing, but human life
is precious. How could we replace our loved ones
in the event of such a disaster? Lives cannot be
replaced. Considering this, what are we doing in
preparation? In the event of some disaster, what
good will be accomplished by assigning blame? We
need to plan now. We need to look at worst case
scenarios and make choices about what is
important to the people of Bihar. The government
should be holding state and district planners
accountable for making viable, realistic plans
for an emergency. Are jobs being done, or are
people collecting pay and perks while the people
they are supposed to serve remain at risk?
Let me start with the recent collapse of
Vaishnavi Apartment on Boring Canal Road. Did
our officials do their jobs, from passing the
design, looking for architectural strength and
the quality of building materials? Did the
building violate any city codes? Did it exceed
the height limits? I am fully sure none of these
conditions was actually checked because they
were likely overlooked with hefty bribes. The
results are now in front of us. I have not seen
any reports of loss of life, thank God, but
these people lost money, belongings, their
homes, and maybe even their dreams. I have read
that the police are searching for the builders,
but I do not think investigation should end
there! There was complicity from officials, at
the very least. How lax do officials think they
can be and still walk away unscathed?
Such things are not only happening with
professional builders and contractors.
Individuals bear some blame in conditions, as
well. I know that almost all of us have seen the
amazing phenomenon of houses and other
construction larger than the plot of land they
are built upon! I am sure land is not money at
the bank: money grows through the accumulation
of interest, but to watch some of these people,
you will think land indeed increases in area
like magic. Houses impinge on public roads and
no actions are taken to rectify the situation.
Court cases drag on for decades. People do not
respect the rights of others. Government does
not insist upon codes being enforced, or even
that houses stay clear of the roadways where we
are supposed to be able to travel and compete in
business!
I am surprised and saddened to read that the
PRDA (Patna Regional Development Authority) is
unable to help those homeless residents due to
legal technicalities. What could be worse than
being in need of real support and government and
authorities show their inability due to a
technicality, or apathy? They need support and
they must get it! No matter how terrible
circumstances may be, you can solve some
problems later. Scores can be settled later, but
these people need assistance and they need it
immediately. This reminds me of stories I have
heard where people have died waiting to go to
the hospital because the police are doing their
paperwork first! Maybe it is a myth, but I have
enough uncertainty that it seems plausible.
Biharis and Indians deserve better! In this
case, the builders, who are known, have
absconded and left the police baffled as to
their whereabouts. Sometime back, Sushil Modi’s
brother was assaulted, and if I am not wrong,
the next day police caught the culprits. Was it
astounding police work that nailed unknown
assailants in a day? Assign those detectives to
locate the Sharmas! This has to be easier than
starting an investigation with no identity. I
submit that this disappearing act is due to the
total failure of the administration or because
someone on the inside is offering protection
because they fear they themselves will be caught
in a conspiracy at the expense of the public
they are paid to protect!
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