Nalanda/Jehanabad: The flood situation in Bihar’s Jehanabad and Nalanda districts has escalated sharply after torrential rainfall in neighbouring Jharkhand caused river levels to surge, breaching embankments and damaging dams at multiple sites. Authorities have launched emergency relief efforts and suspended seven engineers for alleged negligence.
Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary convened an emergency meeting on Saturday, following reports of extensive damage. Speaking at a press conference, he confirmed that embankments had been breached at six locations and ordered relief operations to be carried out on a “war footing”.
“Clear instructions from the department were ignored,” the Minister said. “A preliminary inquiry has revealed gross negligence in embankment maintenance by the Executive Engineer of the Flood Control Division in Ekangarsarai and several junior engineers. All seven have been suspended with immediate effect.”
He added that the role of other senior officials is also under scrutiny, and further disciplinary action may follow based on the findings of an ongoing investigation.
The crisis was triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall in Jharkhand over the past four days, causing a sharp rise in the water levels of major rivers including the Niranjana (Phalgu), Muhane, North Koel, Sakri, and Panchane. On the night of June 19, the Uderasthan Barrage in Jehanabad released 73,067 cusecs of water — the highest ever, exceeding last year’s peak of 68,268 cusecs. This led to a record water level of 62.15 metres at the Bandhuganj Causeway gauge station.
The worst damage occurred in Nalanda’s Ekangarsarai block, where the Jamindari dam on the Lokain River gave way at around 1am on 19 June. Other embankments along the Bhoothi, Dhowa, and Mahatmain rivers, near the borders of Nalanda, Jehanabad, and Patna districts, were also compromised.
In response, the Water Resources Department has deployed two teams of engineers from Patna, including technical experts, to assess and repair the damage. Emergency funds have been released, and round-the-clock monitoring has been initiated.
Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Santosh Kumar Malla, said efforts were underway to stabilise the situation. “A 24-hour monitoring system has been established, and local administrations have been placed on high alert. Disaster response teams have been mobilised,” he said.
Chief Engineer Sharad Kumar, also present at the press conference, confirmed that flood-prone infrastructure across the state is now under continuous surveillance. The state government is coordinating closely with the Chief Minister’s Office, with additional resources on standby.
