Patna: The flood situation in Bihar is becoming increasingly serious as the Ganga and Gandak rivers continue to flow above danger levels at several locations, while the Son river has also witnessed a sharp rise in water discharge.
On Tuesday, the Son’s discharge reached around 5.25 lakh cusecs, its highest level so far this year. In view of the rising water level, 56 of the 69 gates of the Indrapuri Barrage have been opened.
The rising levels of multiple rivers have increased the risk of flooding in several low-lying areas of southern and eastern Bihar. Rivers have been reported above the danger mark at 10 locations across the state.
CM Samrat Chaudhary acknowledges flood situation
During an event in Motihari, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary expressed concern over the rising water levels of the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi and Bagmati rivers.
He said the government is continuously working on flood management and water resources, while the administration has been directed to take necessary measures in affected areas.
Severe erosion in Bhagalpur puts embankment under pressure
The situation has become particularly serious in Raghopur in Bhagalpur’s Naugachia area, where strong erosion along the Ganga has increased pressure on the embankment.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Water Resources Department Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh reportedly returned to Patna from a meeting in New Delhi amid the situation.
The Water Resources Department secretary subsequently visited Bhagalpur to inspect the ongoing embankment protection work. Officials have been instructed to maintain continuous monitoring of the area.
Authorities are also working to move people living close to the river to safer locations.
Bansagar water adds to rising Son levels
The release of water from the Bansagar Dam has also contributed to the rise in the Son river. Water released from Bansagar on Sunday reached the Son on Tuesday, increasing the threat to villages located along the river.
The Son is also flowing above the danger mark at Maner, raising concerns among residents of nearby low-lying areas.
Gandak continues to fluctuate
According to the Water Resources Department, water levels in the Gandak continue to fluctuate following flooding in Nepal. Around 1.25 lakh to 1.5 lakh cusecs of water was released from the Valmikinagar Barrage on Tuesday.
The Gandak was flowing 56 cm above the danger mark at Dumariaghat and 24 cm above the mark near Bangarghat.
The Kosi was also flowing above the danger level, by around 1.11 metres at Baltara and 41 cm at Kursela.
Ganga and Budhi Gandak remain above danger levels
The Budhi Gandak was flowing around 25 cm above the danger mark in Khagaria. Meanwhile, the Ganga remained above the danger level at several locations.
The river was reported above the danger mark at Digha, Gandhi Ghat, Hathidah and Kahalgaon. Erosion along the Gandak has also intensified in West Champaran, while riverbank erosion continues in parts of Madhubani, including Revahia and Yogapatti.
Temples swept away, 350-metre embankment damaged
The erosion in Bhagalpur’s Raghopur has taken a severe turn. Strong erosion began near the upstream side of the C-nose of the Raghopur-Kajikoreiya embankment on Tuesday morning.
More than 100 metres of the embankment reportedly collapsed into the Ganga. Two temples located along the railway line—Maa Chaiti Durga Temple and Baba Bajrangbali Temple—were also washed away.
More than 350 metres of the embankment has reportedly been damaged so far. Only around 100 metres of embankment remains towards the old railway line, raising concerns about the safety of the railway infrastructure as the Ganga water is now directly reaching the railway line.
Entry banned at Manjhar Kund waterfall
The impact of continuous rainfall is also being felt in Rohtas, where water flow at Manjhar Kund waterfall has increased significantly.
In view of the safety risk, the administration has prohibited tourist entry to Manjhar Kund waterfall until further orders and appealed to visitors to follow the restrictions.
With multiple rivers rising simultaneously and erosion intensifying in vulnerable areas, authorities are maintaining close watch on the flood situation across Bihar.
