Patna: The Bihar government has intensified flood monitoring across several districts as persistent monsoon rainfall in Nepal, Uttarakhand and the upper river catchments continues to raise water levels in the state’s major rivers.
While the Kosi and Bagmati rivers are flowing above the danger mark in Khagaria, the Ganga is witnessing a steady rise in Bhagalpur. The Water Resources Department, however, said all embankments, flood protection structures and dams remain safe and are under continuous surveillance.
Ganga Rising In Bhagalpur
The Ganga’s water level has been increasing steadily in Bhagalpur due to heavy rainfall in the upper Ganga basin and increased discharge from tributaries, including the Gandak and Burhi Gandak.
According to the Flood Control Division, the river was recorded at 29.69 metres on Monday evening and has been rising at an average rate of around one centimetre per hour.
Executive Engineer Aditya Prakash said the river remains 3.99 metres below the danger mark of 33.68 metres, indicating that there is no immediate flood threat in the district.
However, officials expect the water level to continue rising over the next four to five days if rainfall persists in the upper catchment areas.
Riverine Villages Asked To Remain Alert
Although flood conditions have not developed in Bhagalpur, the district administration has advised residents of diara and low-lying riverside villages to remain vigilant.
People living in erosion-prone areas, including Farka, Rajandipur and Babupur, have been asked to closely monitor official advisories. Farmers and livestock owners have also been urged to avoid venturing into deep water, while boat operators have been instructed to use only designated and safe ghats.
Flood control teams are keeping a close watch on embankments, anti-erosion works and protective spurs.
Kosi Continues Above Danger Mark
In Khagaria district, the Kosi river continued to flow above the danger level on Tuesday.
The Water Resources Department said the river level at Baltara was recorded at 34.76 metres at 6am, compared with 34.67 metres at 6pm on Monday, registering a 9cm rise in 12 hours.
The river was flowing 91cm above the danger mark of 33.85 metres.
The Kosi Barrage at Bhimnagar released 2,03,265 cusecs of water at 7am, while the discharge was recorded at 2,01,660 cusecs an hour later. At Barah Kshetra in Nepal, the inflow remained steady at 1.28 lakh cusecs.
Bagmati Also In Spate
The Bagmati river also remained above the danger level in Khagaria.
At the Santosh sluice gate, the river level was recorded at 36.94 metres on Tuesday morning, a marginal increase from 36.92 metres a day earlier. The river was flowing 1.31 metres above its danger mark of 35.63 metres.
Officials said the Burhi Gandak was also witnessing a steady increase in water level, though no immediate threat has been reported.
Authorities Maintain Round-The-Clock Vigil
The Water Resources Department said all embankments, dams and flood protection infrastructure across the affected districts are currently safe.
Officials said engineers and field staff are maintaining 24-hour surveillance to monitor river behaviour and respond promptly to any emerging situation.
Active Monsoon To Keep Rivers Swollen
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), monsoon conditions remain active across Bihar, Jharkhand and the upper Ganga catchment. The interaction of moisture-laden easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal with southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea is expected to sustain rainfall over the coming days.
With rainfall likely to continue across the Himalayan and upper catchment regions, officials said water levels in the Ganga and its tributaries may rise further, necessitating continued vigilance in vulnerable districts.
