Newmai News Network Imphal | September 8 The Narendra Modi Government has sanctioned Rs. 100 crores to take up long term measures in addressing floods in the North East region. The hefty amount of money sanctioned by the Centre will be utilised in researching and studying on the factors and causes of frequent occurrence of major floods in the region, and accordingly, action plans will be initiated. This information was revealed by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today. Biren was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the Convention on Climate Change – Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, 2013, organised by Centre for Social Development (CSD) at First MR Banquet Hall in Imphal today. The Chief Minister said that during a recent review meeting on the recent flash floods, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed the Chief Ministers of the North East States about sanctioning of the said amount. Pointing out that the North East is home to around 280 ethnic communities speaking around 170 dialects, Biren said that people are talking about protecting the indigenous population of the region, while taking little interest in protecting the indigenous properties – the rich floras and faunas of the region. Stating that mere shouting of environment protection slogans without being practical would lead to nowhere, the Chief Minister said that efforts are being made to convert garbage into fuel to replace charcoal as well. Maintaining that people must be aware that heavy rainfall and flash floods was wreaking havoc in the hills as well apart from valley areas, Biren reminded the gathering that natural calamities never spare anybody on the basis of religion and community. As such, humankind should join hands as one family to take up necessary measures in advance to avoid natural calamities, he insisted. Delegates from all the eight North East States also took part in the convention.
