Patna: The Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued a flood warning for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh following a sudden rise in water levels in the Gandak river system after heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Nepal.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission said water levels had risen rapidly at Arughat on the Budhi Gandak River in Nepal. Hydrological observation sites in the neighbouring country have also recorded rising water levels.
Officials stationed near the India-Nepal border have been placed on high alert, while administrations in downstream areas along the Gandak River in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been advised to closely monitor the situation.
Inflow At Valmikinagar Barrage May Rise
The sudden surge in the upper reaches of the river system is expected to cause a slight increase in water inflow at the Gandak Barrage in Valmikinagar, West Champaran.
The CWC’s Flood Forecasting Monitoring Directorate has urged all concerned departments to remain prepared for a possible emergency. Security and preparedness measures are also being strengthened in riverside areas, including Bagaha.
However, the commission said the surge was expected to weaken significantly before reaching the Indian border. Scientists estimate that its impact after entering India would be limited, with no significant threat to life or property in the riverine diara areas and adjoining plains.
Gandak Flood Risk In Bihar
The Gandak River affects several districts of Bihar after entering the state, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali.
The Budhi Gandak River is also a major source of flooding in parts of the state, affecting the Champaran region as well as Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai and Khagaria.
Both river systems have caused extensive flooding across Bihar in previous years, making close monitoring of water levels particularly important during periods of heavy rainfall in their catchment areas.
The latest advisory calls for continued vigilance along the riverbanks and in downstream areas as authorities track developments in Nepal and assess the potential impact on Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
