Khagaria: People in Khagaria district of Bihar are worried as the Kosi river has changed its path at two places. The river enters Bihar from Nepal through Supaul district and flows across a large part of Khagaria. It passes through three out of the seven blocks of the district and meets the Kali Kosi and Bagmati rivers here. Officials say if the river changes its course further, it could create a big crisis in future.
One major change is near the Telihar Jamindari Dam, where the river has moved five to seven kilometres away from its usual flow. In September last year, the Kosi Barrage recorded a huge discharge of 6.61 lakh cusecs, the highest in 56 years. This water reached Khagaria after two to four days and forced the river to change its direction near the dam. Even after spending Rs 22 crore on anti-erosion work this year, the river started eroding a 120-metre stretch beyond the protected area.
Right now, the dam is safe because officials have secured the site with emergency flood fighting work. But experts say it has become the most sensitive place along the Kosi, and if the river rises again, it could be dangerous. The administration is on high alert to monitor the dam and surrounding areas to avoid any disaster.
In Shishwa village of Chautham Diara, the river changed its course in July and started eroding land near a community building. Officials worked quickly to protect it. They say Shishwa is like a playground for the Kosi, as it often changes path here every year. Currently, the river is flowing below the danger mark in Khagaria, but no one knows when it will rise and create new problems for the people.
