PATNA, Aug. 21 -- Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday started the payment of Gratuitous Relief (GR) at the rate of Rs.7,000 per family to the flood affected families through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) directly in their bank accounts. An amount of Rs.456.12 crore was transferred to the account of over .651 million affected families of 12 districts. "After a review meeting with the flood-affected districts on August 13 and August 14, we conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Patna, Vaishali, Begusarai and Munger districts to see the situation. We had directed the officials to carry out relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas on a war footing. Along with this, we had also directed to start paying the amount of Gratuitous Relief (GR) to the flood-affected families by August 20, 2025. I am happy that today Rs.456.12 crore has been paid to over .651 million affected families," said the CM. He asked the officials to remain alert as heavy rainfall and increase in the water level of rivers occurs even in the month of September. "Heavy rainfall and an increase in the water level of rivers also occurs in the month of September. Sometimes floods also occur, so you all should be fully alert and keep an eye on the situation. In case of a flood-like situation, help the affected people with full sensitivity. I have believed from the beginning that disaster victims have the first right on the state treasury," said the CM. During the programme, development commissioner cum additional chief secretary of disaster management department Pratyaya Amrit informed that due to excessive rise in the water level of the Ganga river in the month of August, flood situation arose in 11 districts situated on the banks of the Ganga, namely Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur and Katihar. About 38 lakh people in 66 blocks of 12 districts have been affected. The ACS said that due to heavy rainfall in the neighbouring state, flood situation had arisen in 8 panchayats of 4 blocks of Nalanda district. "About 38 lakh people have been affected by flood in 66 blocks of 12 districts. So far, 2.19 lakh polythene sheets and 57, 639 dry ration packets have been distributed during the flood. Besides, 14 flood relief camps are being run, in which about 15,000 people are staying. So far, about 85 lakh people have eaten food in the community kitchen center. All arrangements have also been made for human and animal medicine in the camps," he said....