Several members sought steps for putting in place a warning system for floods and cloudbursts.
The government has asked scientists to work towards developing a system to predict cloudburst, the Rajya Sabha was told today as it discussed the flood situation which has claimed lives of 196 people and caused other damage in various parts of the country.
During the discussion, members from various parties questioned the government preparedness in dealing with natural calamities and pressed for creation of a separate ministry for the purpose.
Several members sought steps for putting in place a warning system for floods and cloudbursts.
Replying to the discussion, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said India does not have technology to predict cloudburst which develops over a very short span of time (1-3 hours).
In fact, no country in the world has been able to predict cloudburst, he added.
"So it is difficult to forecast...It happens in a very small locality. The effect is so devastating that there are huge losses," the minister said while replying to the Calling Attention Motion on situation arising due to floods.
The government, he said, has asked the scientists to work towards developing a system to predict cloudbust.
"We are hopeful that in near future, efforts of scientists to forecast the cloudburst will bring result.
Efforts are there, not only Indian scientists but scientists from across the globe are making a combined effort," he said.
During the ongoing South West monsoon season, various parts of the country like Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Kerala have been affected by heavy rains/flash floods/and rain oriented calamities of varying degrees.
As per information, 196 people have lost their lives, 2,184 cattle heads have perished, 38,285 houses/huts have been damaged and about 0.357 hecatares of crop area affected, the minister said.
Responding to questions about preparedness, Rijiju said the primary responsibility to deal with natural clamities lies with the state government concerned.
The Central government supplements the efforts of state governments by providing financial and logistic support to effectively deal with such exigent situations, he added.
He said Centre extends assistance through State Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Response Fund.
"Primary responsibility lies with state governments because we cannot act at our own because we have to work with state governments," the minister said.
Replying to questions and clarifications, he said the Home Ministry has emergency control room which functions 24X7.
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