Bhagalpur: The Ganga river has once again caused havoc in Ismailpur-Bind Toli, where a major portion of the embankment collapsed late on Sunday night. Around 60 to 70 meters of the embankment near Machhli Aarat, close to Budhu Chak village, caved into the river following sudden erosion, raising fears of further damage.
Officials from the Water Resources Department, including Executive Engineer E. Gautam Kumar, Assistant Engineer Amitesh Kumar, and Junior Engineer, along with Gopalpur Police Station chief Mithilesh Kumar, rushed to the spot to oversee protection work. Electricity supply in the affected area was cut off with the help of locals to prevent accidents, as one or two electric poles had already fallen into the river.
Engineers and workers attempted to check erosion using bamboo rolls, bushes, and geo-bags. However, many villagers expressed anger at the slow pace of work. Assistant Engineer Amitesh Kumar confirmed that nearly 70 meters of the embankment had been eroded due to backwater pressure near the fish market area. “We are working to control the situation with geo-bags and other measures,” he said.
Water Level Rising Above Danger Mark
The situation remains tense as the Ganga continues to rise. Currently, the river is flowing 21 cm above the danger mark at Ismailpur-Bind Toli. The Water Resources Department has warned of a possible increase of up to 80 cm in the coming days.
To prepare for emergencies, the Flood Control Division Office in Navgachia has directed contractors to strengthen sensitive spurs and embankments using bamboo, resin, and sand-filled bags. The damaged portion between spur numbers 8 and 9 has been temporarily restored, but fresh reinforcements are being added as previous repairs have washed away.
Assistant Engineer Amitesh Kumar, posted at the camp office near spur number 6, said the situation is under control for now. “On instructions from senior officials, we are stocking 1.5 lakh sand-filled bags for immediate use in case the water level rises further,” he added.
Situation in Kahalgaon
Meanwhile, the Central Water Commission has reported that the Ganga’s water level in Kahalgaon is also above the danger mark by 12 cm. As of 6 pm on Monday, the water level was recorded at 31.21 meters, a marginal decrease of 1 cm in four hours. Authorities, however, expect the river to rise again from Monday night.
Large parts of the Diara region and low-lying Chaurs remain submerged, though floodwater has receded from some other areas. The administration has urged residents in flood-prone villages to remain alert and shift to safer locations if needed.
The erosion and rising water level have once again highlighted the vulnerability of embankments along the Ganga. Experts warn that timely repairs and continuous monitoring are crucial to prevent large-scale flooding and damage in the coming days.
