[67th BPSC] Bihar: Environment, Climate Change and Disaster management-II

Biodiversity and Wildlife:

• Climate change, deforestation, fossil fuels, and other anthropogenic activities are putting the survival of a wide range of wildlife in jeopardy. Not only does climate change threaten wildlife in a variety of ways, including their habitat, it also disrupts ecological relationships, and directly jeopardizes their survival and growth. ©crackingcivilservices.com
• In this regard, the State Government has undertaken many initiatives to conserve and maintain biodiversity and wildlife, particularly a number of wildlife sanctuaries.
• The state has several wildlife sanctuaries which house a number Of species, such as:
  • Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary (Valmiki Tiger Reserve Division- I and II, Bettiah, West Champaran),
  • Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary (Munger),
  • Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary (Bettiah, West Champaran), and
  • Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (Kaimur and Rohtas).

Nature Safari in Rajgir:

• The Nature Safari of Rajgir was inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister of Bihar on March 26, 2021.
• Rajgir is a well-known place in Bihar as a destination for both domestic and foreign tourists, and is well-positioned for its religious importance and cultural tourism.
• The place consists Of several sites of nature based recreational tourism, consisting of forest, park, and lakes. Since its inauguration, the glass skywalk and suspension bridge structure have been the highlight for tourists. It has a cantilever structure whose one end is freely hanging into a deep valley from the hill top, and it has received prominence at the national level, attracting visitors seeking adventure as well as nature lovers.
• The Nature Safari consists of many adventures, such as Zip line, flying fox, zip bike, rock climbing, rifle shooting, archery shooting, etc.
• The Nature Safari is spread over more than hundred acres of forest area, with a big area for children’s activities, entertainment, and games with low height towers and camping stations. The premises is surrounded by natural hills among sal wood trees and covered with substantial green grass land and parks.
• The area also has different species of trees and plants, butterfly-shaped park, medicinal parks, succulent gardens, and Arboretum park.

Rajgir Zoo Safari:

• Rajgir Zoo Safari, spread across 191.12 hectares, is Bihar’s first zoo safari, wherein five wild animal species (herbivores, bear, tiger and lion) will be housed.
• The zoo safari is a concept where wild animals will be in their natural habitat and tourists will be able to see them through a secured and close vehicle.
• The construction and development of Rajgir Safari is mainly carried out in two parts:
  • (a) Development of wildlife enclosures and other related infrastructures as prescribed by Central Zoo Authority for upkeep of these wild animals, and
  • (b) Development of reception and orientation Zone.
• A total Rs. 176.18 crore has been sanctioned for the development of Zoo Safari by the State Government.

Initiatives for Conservation Of Wildlife:

• (a) The first state bird festival ‘Kalrav’ was organized in Jamui district during January 15-17, 2021 to celebrate the arrival of migratory birds in Nagi-Nakti Bird Sanctuaries, situated in Jhajha, Jamui.
  • The main objective of this bird festival was to reiterate the issue of bird conservation and recognize the importance of birds in the lives of humans.
  • The bird festival was a proactive effort by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, to promote Nagi and Nakti, two large wetlands and bird sanctuaries situated about 5 kilometres from each other, as a destination for bird watching and eco-tourism.
  • The total budget for the three-day bird festival was Rs. 85 lakh.
• (b) National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) under Patna University was inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister of Bihar.
  • A sum of Rs. 30.52 crore has been approved for the Centre.
  • The main aim Of this centre is to promote research in genetics Of dolphins.
• (c) In Jamui district, Mahavir Biodiversity Park was inaugurated in 2020-21.

Environmental Pollution:

• In general, economic growth and technological progress lead to environmental deterioration. On account of various production activities in agriculture, industry, and service sectors, which necessitate the use of natural resources, several externalities emerge. This creates a conflict between growth and natural environment.
• Given that there is a limit to extraction of natural capital, their over-extraction has resulted in pollution and deterioration of natural resources. Increase in air particulate matter, sulphur oxide, and carbon dioxide, as well as contamination of water bodies, high-decibel noises and generation of plastic waste denote environmental pollution.

Water Pollution:

• Water resources play a key role in development of economic sectors, such as agriculture and industries, and in provision of drinking water for man and animals.
• Bihar has abundant surface water and groundwater resources, which get replenished not only by rainfall, but also through various fivers and their tributaries. However, the recent years are witnessing a continuous rise in water pollution, leading to depletion of water quality in the state.
  • In 2020, there were 968 canals and 26 reservoirs in Bihar. The canals occupy an area of 27.65 lakh hectares and reservoirs 2.18 lakh hectares.
• Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) is regularly monitoring the water quality of river Ganga (34 locations) on a fortnightly basis, its tributaries (64 locations), ponds and lakes (5 locations) on a monthly basis.
  • The ground water quality is monitored at 70 locations on a six- monthly basis by BSPCB.
  • During 2020-21, the Board had collected a total of 1871 water samples from different locations and analyzed the same.
• Groundwater resources also play a crucial role in making water available to the population, specially in dry drought-prone areas of the state. Rapid economic and urban growth has resulted in over-extraction of groundwater, resulting in a drop in groundwater levels.
  • Also, climate change and rise in global temperature are impacting the groundwater levels in Bihar, as elsewhere.
• The groundwater in Bihar is affected by arsenic, iron, and fluoride . There are 14 districts affected by arsenic (Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Patna, Vaishali etc), 11 districts by iron (Araria, Munger, Bhagalpur, Saharsa, Purnia etc.) and 11 districts by fluoride (Aurangabad, Banka, Gaya, Jamui, Kaimur, Nawada, Nalanda etc.).

Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance

• Abundant groundwater resources with diverse geological, hydrological and climate conditions characterize the drinking water availability of Bihar.
  • The emergence of chemical contamination in groundwater has posed challenges in providing safe drinking water.
• The PHED(Public Health Engineering Department) internal assessment and findings of water quality mapping of the whole state indicates that the drinking water sources in rural areas are not safe in most of the localities and the health Of the rural population is at risk.
  • Out of the 38 districts in the state, 31 districts have contamination or groundwater.
  • Water sources of 30,272 rural wards have chemical contamination in their groundwater, 4742 rural wards in 14 districts situated along the river Ganga are particularly affected by arsenic contamination (> 10 ppb) whereas the drinking water sources of 3791 rural wards of 1 1 distficts are affected with excess fluoride (1.5 ppm) and the presence of excess iron in groundwater is in 9 Kosi basin districts and a few patches in other districts (21713 wards) of Bihar.
• As the technical department to meet the requirements of potable water supply to every rural citizen of Bihar, the Public Health Engineering Department has implemented a long term strategy of mitigating water quality challenges of the state.
  • A detailed diagnostic process has been undertaken for mapping the magnitude of chemical contamination in groundwater and treatment technologies scrutinised as per resolving the issue of treated water supply.
  • The durability and most user friendly technology of water treatment, operational criteria of water treatment plants and reject management were finalised and standardized by engaging expert agencies like National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur and UNICEF.
• Blessed with abundant groundwater potential, rainfall, and ease of recharge as well as existence of multiple riverine systems, the state has gone for a mix of surface water and groundwater-based schemes.
  • Addressing the water quality mitigation concerns through sustainable piped water supply system and providing FHTC (Functional Household Tap Connection) in each rural household, Bihar state has adopted the most suitable approach of developing water supply infrastructure.
• Besides commissioning the piped water supply scheme, the Department has also strengthened the Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance through a state level National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratory (NABL) accredited Water Quality Lab, 38 District Water Quality Testing Labs, 75 Sub-divisional Water Quality Testing Labs and 9 Mobile Water Quality Testing Labs.
  • A protocol of water quality testing and test result reporting system has been operationalised and on spot water quality surveillance mechanism of water supply at the scheme level is being ensured through Pump operators, Multi-Parameter Field Testing Kits are also procured to keep the supplied water on surveillance though users at the local level.
• Progress of the Scheme
  • The progress under this scheme due to its decentralized nature has been fast and worthy of mention. As of January 2022, the coverage is 97 percent approximately.
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Environmental Measures by Water Resources Department

• Ganga Jal Aapurti Yojna :
  • In order to limit the effects Of climate change on the availability Of drinking water and establish ecological balance in a part of the South Bihar, Ganga Jal Aapurti Yojna is being implemented by the Depanment of Water Resources.
  • Under this scheme, abundant surface water available in Ganga River is to be pumped out during four months of monsoon (July to October) from Maranchi village of Mokama block under Patna district.
  • The pumped water will be transported through underground laid pipeline to storage reservoirs, which are under construction at various locations. The storage water will be made available for drinking purposes and others domestic uses for the people of Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nawada cities, after proper treatment.
  • This will not only meet the basic requirement of water but also check the over-exploitation of groundwater.
  • The construction of storage reservoirs through this scheme will also greatly benefit the flora and fauna ecosystem in nearby areas.
  • Reduction in the domestic uses of groundwater in Rajgir is expected to have positive effects on the declining water flow in various religious ‘Kunds’.
  • The estimated cost of the scheme for the period 2019-2022 is Rs. 4174.81 crore. The earmarked outlay for 2021-22 is Rs. 1106.65 crores.
• ECO park at Valmiki Nagar:
  • In Valmiki Nagar, on the left bank Of river Gandak, upstream Of the Valmiki Nagar barrage, a protection wall of 1080 meters in length has been constructed. It has a stone retaining wall, made using the Maccaferri concept, which is quite cost-effective.
  • Along with that, an Eco-Park, a Guest House, an Eco-Hut on the roof of the Guest House and renovation of road from the Guest House to Hotel Valmiki Vihar in Valmiki Nagar have also completed.
• Tall Development Plan:
  • The Water Resource Department is determined to make better use and management of the water of Tall area, located in the districts of Patna, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, and Lakhisarai.
  • An ambitious scheme has been prepared, under which the main component is to construct 5 anti-flood sluices, 2 embankments at the northern and southern ends, and strengthen and upgrade Zamindari dams.
  • All these will lead to best economic use of surface and groundwater to achieve a cropping intensity of more than 215 percent.
  • The scheme also envisages developing fish and aquatic production by deepening the existing reservoirs in the Tall area and make the drainage system effective by de-silting the local pynes.
• Rubber Dam on Falgu River:
  • A large number of devotees come every year for the purpose of ‘Pind Daan’ in Falgu river near the famous Vishnupad temple of Gaya. However, water flow in Falgu river remains negligible throughout the year, except during monsoons, due to which the devotees have to face difficulties.
  • Therefore, the Department has prepared a scheme for construction of a rubber dam, 300 meters downstream the temple, This will be the first rubber dam of its kind in the state, whose length will 405 meters and a height of 3 meters.
  • There is also a provision of foot crossing over the rubber dam to connect the left and right banks for the convenience of the pilgrims going to Sita Kund.
  • The construction of this rubber dam will help in retaining water in the river throughout the year and also in recharge of water table.
• Abhishek Pushkarni Sarovar near Vishwa Shanti Stupa:
  • Abhishek Pushkarni Sarovar, near the Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Vaishali district, is a historic and religious water body. In recent years, it was found to getting dry after the monsoon season.
  • Further, Hand pumps of the villages around the Vishwa Shanti Stupa also became dry. Due to lack of water in this historical lake, devotees face considerable trouble.
  • To get rid of this problem, the Department has taken an initiative to provide water by pressure pipes (5.50 kms.) from Vaishali branch canal to Abhishek Pushkarni Sarovar.

Air Pollution

• The complex interaction of natural and anthropogenic activities, such as industrial and automotive emissions, burning of fossil fuels, dust from construction sites, agricultural residue, home fuel burning, and open waste burning are causing air pollution, specially in cities.
• Along with human and industrial activities, natural events, such as forest fires, pollen grains, radioactive elements, and biological decay, also contribute to air pollution, which have a bearing on human health.
• The Central Government is monitoring the levels of four major air pollutants in 312 towns across the country, through the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme.
  • Sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (N02), suspended particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and fine particulate matter (FPM) are the main air pollutants in question.
• The burning of crop stubble in agricultural fields in Bihar has added to the increase in concentration of particulate matter in air.
• To monitor air quality in different cities of the state, 24 air monitoring stations have been established and 13 more will be established in the near future.
• Schemes of Bihar State Pollution Control Board
  • The action plan for prevention and control of air pollution for the non-attainment cities such as Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Gaya has prepared by the Air Quality Monitoring Committee (AQMC), constituted by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in 2018.
    • This action plan has also been approved by Central Pollution Control Board and is being implemented in the state.
  • Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCD) has installed additional 5 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in Patna and one each in Gaya, Muzaffarpur and Hajipur.
    • All these CAAQMS are connected to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) servers.
    • As per the criteria of the CPCB, the BSPCB has also prepared a proposal for expansion of CAAQMS network in Bihar.
      • The work order for installation of 24 CAAQMS in Bihar has been awarded and the installation work is expected to be completed soon.
    • The data from all these stations is available on public domain though Central Pollution Control Board ‘s national network from November, 2021.

• • No new units of the identified 22 categories of polluting industries shall be allowed to be established in the ‘Master Plan Demarcation Area of Patna‘ and ‘Planning Area of Muzaffarpur and Gaya‘ for prevention Of air pollution in those cities of Bihar.
  • The State Govemment has prepared a ‘State Fuel Policy on use of Pet Coke and Furnace/fuel Oil‘ in 2020 for prevention of air pollution.
    • Accordingly, Pet Coke shall not be used henceforth as industrial fuel. However, it can be used as feedstock in manufacturing processes in certain categories of industries.
    • New proposed industries in the non-attainment cities and Hajipur industrial area shall not be allowed to use furnace oil as fuel.
    • The existing industries may use furnace oil in compliance with emission standards notified by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, LNG/PNG as cleaner fuel supply network is developed in the state.
  • In order to reduce the emission from blick kilns, the BSPCB has directed all the brick kilns of the state to adopt and switch over to cleaner technologies. Most of the brick kilns under operation have been converted into cleaner technology.
  • Public awareness programmes are being regularly conducted through advertisements in newspapers, hoardings, radio jingles, Nukkar Natak, etc. The BSPCB has 1,15,225 seconds of Radio Jingles, besides advertisements in newspapers.
  • The BSPCB has launched the Clean Air Dashboard to identify and tackle dispersed sources of air in Patna.
    • The dashboard aggregates information on pollution arising from different sources, and distributes this data to relevant Departments for action.
    • The single coordinated dashboard empowers the Departments to easily track and respond to air pollution issues, leading to quicker and proactive interventions at the ground level.
    • The overriding aim of this project is to ensure that Bihar meets the air pollution mitigation targets laid out under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
    • This dashboard will soon be extended to the cities of Muzaffarpur and Gaya, two other non-attainment cities in Bihar.
    • An Air Pollution Action Group is also supporting the stakeholder departments in preparing plans to achieve the NCAP targets for three sectors- Transport, Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Household Air Pollution (HAP).
• Schemes in the Transport Department (E-rickshaw, CNG, other initiatives)

• • The Transport Department has procured 10 electric buses and has plans to procure 25 more electric buses.
  • The Transport Department has restricted plying of 15-year-old government vehicles in the entire state, since November 2019, till further order.
    • The State Government has also restricted plying of 15-year-old diesel-driven commercial vehicles in the jurisdiction of Patna Municipal Corporation, Danapur Municipal Council, Khagaul Municipal Council and Phulwari Sharif Municipal Council, with immediate effect since November 2019, till further order.
    • The plying of diesel-driven three-wheeler vehicles shall also be restricted from January 31, 2021 in those urban areas, with effect from March 31, 2021.
  • As per the Bihar Cleaner Fuel Policy of 2019, a one-time subsidy of Rs. 40,000 for replacement of existing three-wheelers into CNG vehicles, and one-time conversion incentive of Rs. 20,000 for conversion of three-wheelers into CNG, is being given by the State Government. This will cover the cost of CNG Kit retro-fitment.
    • Further, one-time subsidy of Rs. 25,000 for replacement of three-wheelers into new electric vehicles is also being given.

Noise Pollution

• Rising noise pollution in the towns of Bihar is a source of concern. The construction and industrial activity, traffic sounds, loudspeakers, and firecrackers during festivals are the main sources of noise pollution.
• The BSPCB is monitoring noise levels in selected areas of Patna in order to reduce noise pollution.
  • For the period 2016-20, the annual data on ambient noise levels at different locations in Patna were collected during both day and night.
  • In terms of permitted decibels there are mixed patterns in noise levels during day and night.
• The levels of noise pollution in Patna have been steadily decreasing over time in the commercial areas of Planetarium and the railway station

Plastic Waste Management

• Under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, plastic materials of thickness less than 50 microns are prohibited.
  • Such materials include carry bags (unused or recycled), plastic sheets, and articles made of plastic sheets used for multilayer packaging.
  • The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 were amended twice, in 2018 and 2021. According to these provisions, a State Level Advisory Committee was constituted in July, 2018 under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, Urban Development and Housing Department.
• Bihar imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, import, storage, distribution, sale, transport, or use of any kind of plastic carry bag (irrespective Of their size and thickness) in the jurisdiction of all urban areas from October 24, 2018 and in the jurisdiction of all Gram Panchayats from December 1 1 , 2018.
• The State Government has also imposed a complete ban on manufacture, import, store, transport, sale, and use of single-use plastic materials – Polystyrene cutlery used for serving eatables or drinks, plastic bags, and plastic banners in the entire state with effect from July 1, 2022.
  • The State Government has constituted a ‘State Level Special Task Force’, under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, for implementation of the ban on single-use plastic and formulation of an Action Plan.

Disaster Management

• Because of its geographical location, and hydro-meteorological uncertainty, Bihar is prone to several disasters such as earthquake, flood, drought, thunderstorm, heatwave, etc.
  • As one of the climate-sensitive states in India, the frequency and intensity of these climate-induced disasters are on the rise in recent years.
  • The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals emphasise not only the need to ensure environmental sustainability, but to build resilience among the vulnerable populations during such disasters. ©crackingcivilservices.com

• Various Initiatives of the Department of Disaster Management
  • Management of Flood in Bihar during 2020-21:

• • • Since floods are a recurrent phenomenon in Bihar, the management of floods is not new to the state. In 2020-21 , Bihar faced the twin crises of Covid-19 outbreak on one hand and floods on the other, which had an impact on people’s life and livelihood.
      • There was a fear that the flood hazard would collide with the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in severe stress on the State Government.
    • The State Government has been following a well-articulated Standard Operating Pmcedure (SOP) for Flood Disaster Management since 2010. But keeping Covid- 19 in mind, the strategy to mitigate the effects of flooding was updated and some additional steps were taken by the State Government to prepare its machinery to manage floods, which include:
      • Pre-identification of the population vulnerable to Covid-19, such as the elderly, children, specially-abled persons, pregnant women for prioritisation during evacuation and admission to relief camps.
      • Medical screening of all inmates in relief camps, availability of masks at the Gram Panchayat level and ensuring social distancing at the relief camps and community kitchens.
      • Ensuring enough number of boats to maintain social distancing along with their regular sanitization.
    • Bihar faced floods during July 2020, resulting from heavy downpour from the south-west monsoon in the northern districts and neighbouring Nepal.
      • The widespread floods affected 100.23 lakh people, 152 blocks and 1402 Gram Panchayats of the state.
      • The high intensity floods submerged large areas resulting in heavy loss of lives and damage to public and private properties.
    • The State Government had started a massive rescue and relief operation for the affected population. The early operations focused on evacuation of people from flooded areas and providing them with enough food and other essentials through 79 relief camps and 2478 community kitchens.
      • Apart from this, efforts were made to provide people with medical facilities, safe drinking water, fodder for livestock, etc.
      • Afterwards, efforts were being made for early restoration of roads, bridges, irrigation structures, electricity, etc. as the flood water began to recede. In all, 21 NDRF and 13 SDRF teams were pressed into service in the flood-affected districts for rescue and relief operations.
    • Under relief operations, more than 3.60 lakh polyethylene sheets and about 2.50 lakh ration packets were distributed to flood-affected families.
      • In addition, more than 16,000 dry ration packets were air dropped in some inaccessible areas of Darbhanga, Gopalganj, and East Champaran.
      • To meet requirements other than food of the flood-affected families, Gratuity Relief Money amounting to Rs. 6000 per family was provided directly in their bank accounts. Under this, a sum of Rs. 1375.56 crore has been paid to 22.93 lakh families.
    • The flood water had also caused extensive damage to crops in the state. A total of Rs. 567.68 crore was distributed to the affected farmers who had suffered crop damage due to floods.
      • An amount of Rs. 550.00 crore was allotted from the Contingency Fund of the State Government. An agricultural input grant of Rs. 100.00 crore was also approved, again from the Contingency Fund.
      • A total of Rs. 1518.42 core was approved to make provisions for the distribution of grant for supply of agricultural inputs.
  • Lightning Strikes and Establishment of Early Warning System

• • • There has been an alarming increase in lightning-related deaths in Bihar in recent years.
      • In 2020, lightning took more lives than floods in Bihar. On June 25, 2020, about 100 people were killed in lightning strikes across 24 districts.
    • To deal with the casualties and mitigate the effects of lightning strikes, the Department of Disaster Management has established an Early Warning System in the state, with the help of US-based Earth Network Inc.
      • The lightning sensors have been installed at various locations in the state.
      • The Department has also developed a Mobile App ‘Indravajra’ under the Early Warning System.
      • Based on the data provided by the sensors, the App gives lightning warning to the community at least 40 minutes the actual lightning strike; within a radius of 20 kms.
      • Apart from the Mobile App, the lightning alerts received from the Early Waming System are also disseminated through SMS, WhatsApp and Electronic Media.
• Procurement of Satellite Phones

• • The normal modes of telecommunication, such as telephones, cell phones, and fax, get disrupted during natural disasters, like flood, earthquake, cyclone, etc.
    • The failure of such telecommunication infrastructure often leads to communication loss in disaster-affected areas, resulting in preventable loss of life and damage of property.
    • This also causes delays and errors in Emergency Response and Relief Operations.
  • In the event of such breakdown of normal of communication, the satellite phones can act as alternative to maintain connectivity with the disaster-ridden areas.
    • Keeping this in mind, the Department of Disaster Management has procured 80 satellite phone (ISAT Phone-II) from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
    • Most of these satellite phones have provided to districts which are relatively more vulnerable to floods and earthquakes.
  • In addition to this, V-SAT facility has also been established in State Emergency Operation Centre, located in Patna and three other District Emergency Operation Centres (Darbhanga, Madhubani and Araria) with the assistance of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• Management Of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Bihar (2nd wave):

• • In the wake of the rising Covid-19 cases during its second wave in 2021-22, the State Government had imposed complete restrictions on the opening of shops/establishments, government and private offices and movement of vehicles.
  • In order to reduce the hardships of the people of Bihar during that period, specially the poor, homeless, destitute, and other needy persons, the Department of Disaster Management had started operation of community kitchens from May 5, 2021 at various places to provide free meals. They were functional till June 14, 2021.
  • Social distancing norms and other Covid-19 protocols were strictly implemented in these community kitchens.
    • The attendants of the Covid-19 patients, who were admitted in Dedicated Covid Hospitals (DCH), Covid Care Centers (CCC) and Dedicated Covid Health Centers (DCHC), were also provided with meals through these kitchens.
    • During this period, a total of 739 community kitchens were operational across the state and a total of 57.36 lakh meals were provided.
  • During the nationwide imposed for control of the Covid-19 infection during 2020-21 , a large number of migrant labourers had returned to Bihar by special trains, buses, and other means.
    • The State Government decided to pay Rs. 1000 to all the labourers who had returned to the state, as well as to pay for their tickets. Under this, a total amount of Rs 121.37 crore was paid to 10.71 lakh persons.
    • The amount was transferred directly to the bank account of the beneficiaries through Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
  • Yet another assistance to the people during Covid-19 was payment of an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 4.00 lakh to the next of kin for each death caused by Covid-19.
    • In addition to this, it was also decided to pay Rs. 50.00 thousand from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to the next of kin of the deceased. ©crackingcivilservices.com