Patna: Construction has commenced on an anti-flood sluice gate near Gogabil Lake in Bihar’s Katihar district, a move officials say will help preserve biodiversity and prevent flooding in the area. The project, spearheaded by the Water Resources Department, has a sanctioned budget of Rs 3.66 crore (£350,000) and is expected to be completed by January 2026.
Located in the Manihari block, Gogabil Lake spans 218 acres and is recognised as a key ecological site in the state. Surrounded by lush vegetation and home to a variety of aquatic species, the lake also serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds. Each year, around 300 species — many from Siberia and other international locations — arrive at the wetland, making it one of Bihar’s 15 protected areas.
The project includes the construction of a sluice gate at the lake’s drainage point, which is designed to maintain water levels year-round. Officials said this would help ensure a stable habitat for migratory birds and aquatic life, while also mitigating the threat of seasonal flooding in nearby villages.
The initiative follows a proposal from Bihar’s Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which flagged the need for controlled water management in the ecologically sensitive zone.
