Patna: The Bihar government has stepped up flood preparedness along the Ganga as rising water levels at Gandhi Ghat in Patna are expected to increase pressure on downstream areas over the next one to three days.
The Water Resources Department has directed officials to maintain heightened vigilance along the riverbanks and ensure that embankments, vulnerable locations and low-lying areas are closely monitored.
The department said the water level at Gandhi Ghat has crossed the Highest Flood Level (HFL). The resulting downstream movement of water is expected to affect Hathidah and other gauge stations further downstream.
Officials have warned that the Ganga at Hathidah could potentially rise above its previous HFL.
Five Districts On Alert
Special vigilance has been ordered in riverside areas of Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur and Katihar.
Department officials and field personnel have been instructed to continuously monitor river levels and assess conditions along embankments and at vulnerable sites.
Precautionary measures are to be taken in advance wherever required to reduce the risk of embankment breaches and flooding in low-lying areas.
Flood Control Resources Kept Ready
The department has directed engineers and field teams to keep flood-control equipment, machinery and other resources ready for deployment.
Headquarters-level officials are also monitoring the situation continuously and coordinating preparedness measures with field teams.
Advisory For Residents And Boat Operators
Residents in affected areas have been advised to avoid approaching the river unnecessarily and to remain alert to changing conditions.
Local administrations have also been asked to closely monitor boat operations, prevent overloading and keep residents informed about safety measures as the flood situation develops.
