DOZENS OF VILLAGES LOST CONNECTIVITY DUE TO THE FURY OF GNAGA

DOZENS OF VILLAGES LOST CONNECTIVITY DUE TO THE FURY OF GNAGA

9-AUG-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------The rising water level of the Ganga river has worsened the flood situation in Diyarchal area of Shahpur block of Bhojpur district. The main roads, Shahpur-Karnamepur and Bihiya Chowrasta-Gaura road, which are considered the lifeline of the area, have come to a complete standstill due to flood waters. Dozens of villages have lost connectivity with the block headquarters and the lives of lakhs of people living in these areas have been disrupted.

According to the information, one and a half to two feet of water is flowing in a stretch of about three kilometers from Bharouli bridge to Ramdathhi village on Shahpur-Karnamepur road, due to which the only means of transportation is boats. The horror of the flood is such that the roar of the strong currents of water at night is creating panic among the people. 20 panchayats of Shahpur block are severely and partially in the grip of floods, due to which the crops of paddy, maize and vegetables have been completely ruined.

The condition of the people who have left their homes due to the flood and have taken shelter on embankments, schools and other high places is pathetic. The continuous rain is adding to their troubles. The number of displaced people on embankments and high shelters has increased significantly due to the flood. Government assistance, especially the number of community kitchens and boats, is proving to be inadequate in proportion to the number of displaced people. Many people are forced to use makeshift boats risking their lives.

Administrative action: In view of the seriousness of the situation, Jagdishpur SDM Sanjeet Kumar led by DCLR Amrendra Kumar, BDO Shatrunjay Kumar Singh and CO Rashmi Sagar visited the affected areas on Thursday. The officials interacted with the people taking shelter on the embankments and understood their problems.

The administration has assured to provide relief to the affected. Instructions have been given to start community kitchens at Lalu's Dera, near Shyam Baba on the dam and Suhiya village from Thursday evening so that food arrangements can be ensured for the displaced. Earlier, the district administration had ordered the closure of 71 schools in the district, including 55 in Shahpur block, till August 9 in view of the flood situation. The number of closed schools has increased.

People are deeply worried about the future. Families who have seen their homes submerged in the Ganga are wondering where they will go next. For now, their lives are confined to relief camps and embankments, where they are waiting for government help and the water level to recede.