Patna: Bihar’s Water Resources Department has made strong preparations to deal with floods this year. Important anti-erosion work has been completed at many risky spots along rivers like Ganga, Koshi, Gandak, Bagmati, and Mahananda. The department has stored enough materials such as geo bags and filter materials to fight floods if they occur. This is being done to protect villages and towns that are often affected during the monsoon.
From June to October, special monitoring of all vulnerable embankments is taking place. Flood control rooms have been set up at central and regional levels to keep a close watch. One major step is the use of the new Mathematical Model Centre in Patna which will give flood forecasts 72 hours in advance at 42 important sites. This will help people and officials prepare before water levels rise dangerously.
The government has also deployed embankment ambulances at sensitive spots. These are tractors carrying at least ten workers with portable generators, halogen lights, and materials to repair any damage quickly. Along the 3,808 kilometres of embankments in flood zones, one worker has been posted every kilometre to check for cracks or erosion. The department has arranged shelter, drinking water, and toilets for these workers so that monitoring work goes on smoothly day and night.
Bihar is also coordinating with Nepal to get rainfall data in time, as heavy rains there often affect rivers in North Bihar. A toll-free helpline (1800 345 6145) has been set up to give people flood-related information any time of the day. Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said continuous monitoring is very important and all embankments are being inspected carefully to avoid any disaster.
