West Champaran: The Gandak River has risen sharply following rainfall in Nepal and its catchment areas, flooding low-lying riverine areas of West Champaran.
More than 4 lakh cusecs of water has been released from the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage, increasing pressure on embankments and spreading water into several villages in the diara region.
Residents of Bhagwanpur, Srinagar, Jiganahi and Chiurahi, along with several other riverine settlements, are facing difficulties as floodwater has entered low-lying areas and disrupted normal life.
High Alert On Vulnerable Embankments
The Water Resources Department has kept the Pipra-Piprasi (PP) and Amwa-Pipra embankments on high alert following the rise in the Gandak’s water level.
Round-the-clock monitoring has been intensified at highly vulnerable points. Teams are keeping a close watch on Harkhatola and Baheliya in Thakraha, and Chanderpur, Barariya and Semarbari in Bhitaha.
Surveillance has also been strengthened at Narwajot, Amwakhass and Lachhmipur embankments in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.
Repair Work Underway
Authorities are carrying out repair and preventive work to protect the embankments from erosion and damage caused by rising water pressure.
Patchwork is being carried out on openings along the river-side slopes, while rain cuts formed on the embankments are being filled promptly. The work is intended to prevent seepage and further weakening of the structures.
Previous Breaches Raise Concern
The high discharge has also brought back memories of previous incidents involving damage to embankments along the Gandak.
According to local officials, the AP embankment near Lachhmipur village was damaged in 2002, while the Chanderpur embankment in Bhitaha was breached in 2017 following heavy water pressure and seepage.
With the Gandak discharge again crossing 4 lakh cusecs, authorities have intensified surveillance and preparedness along vulnerable stretches.
Officials Say Situation Under Control
Officials said teams are maintaining continuous surveillance of the river level and the condition of the embankments.
Executive Engineers Vijay Pal and Rajesh Kumar said teams are working round the clock and that sufficient quantities of sandbags and other emergency materials have been deployed.
They said preparations are in place to respond to any emergency and that the situation is currently under control.
