FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS: MLA’S VISIT AMID CRITICISM

ARA (RNI) On August 10, 2025, the flood-ravaged Barhara assembly constituency in Bhojpur district, Bihar, witnessed yet another inspection by local MLA Raghvendra Pratap Singh as the region grapples with the devastating impact of severe flooding. Triggered by relentless monsoon rains and the swelling Ganga River since July, the floods have displaced thousands, destroyed villages, and disrupted daily life. Over 50 homes in Jawaniya village have been washed away, and 71 schools across Bhojpur, including 15 in Barhara block, remain closed, underscoring the scale of the crisis. Amid efforts to accelerate relief operations, Singh’s visit has drawn both appreciation and sharp criticism for the government’s perceived sluggish response to a disaster that began nearly a month ago.

Bhojpur, a district with a rich historical legacy tied to the 1857 Revolt led by Veer Kunwar Singh, is no stranger to natural challenges. However, the current flood situation has pushed the region to its limits, with the Ganga’s erosion and inundation affecting countless families. The MLA’s latest efforts aim to address immediate needs, but the delay in decisive action has fueled public discontent, reflecting a broader narrative of inadequate preparedness in Bihar’s flood-prone areas.

In a detailed Facebook post on August 10, 2025, MLA Singh outlined his visit to several flood-affected villages, including Neknam Tola, Shaligram Singh ke Tola, Bakhorapur, Hajipur, and Dubey Chhara. He described engaging with residents to understand their struggles and issuing directives to the administration for swift action. “Today, I once again inspected the flood disaster in Barhara assembly,” he wrote. “I met flood victims in these villages, heard their problems, and instructed the administration to make appropriate provisions. I also directed the quick start of a community kitchen on the embankment and arrangements for animal fodder.”

Singh highlighted ongoing relief efforts, noting that block officials and local panchayat representatives are distributing plastic sheets and rations to those in need. Emphasizing his commitment, he added, “If people in the area have any problems, they can contact us. I am always ready for flood victims, and my visits will continue regularly.” This hands-on approach seeks to provide immediate relief, including food and shelter support, as the region battles the ongoing deluge.

The district administration has also stepped in, providing Rs 1.20 lakh each to 59 families whose homes were lost to the Ganga’s erosion in Bhojpur. However, with the flood situation worsening statewide—over 1 lakh people affected across Bihar—these measures are seen as a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of destruction.

The flooding in Barhara is part of a larger crisis engulfing Bihar, exacerbated by heavy monsoon rains and water inflows from Nepal’s catchment areas. The Ganga River is flowing above the danger mark in Patna, while districts like Muzaffarpur, Saran, Buxar, and Vaishali face similar threats. Embankment breaches have submerged villages, forcing residents in low-lying areas to rely on boats for mobility. Schools remain shuttered, and the long-term impact on education and livelihoods looms large.

In Bhojpur, the Ganga’s relentless erosion has nearly wiped Jawaniya village off the map, with ongoing efforts to control the damage described as largely paper-based by frustrated locals. The Bihar government has issued flood alerts and initiated evacuations, but the persistence of the crisis into August highlights the inadequacy of pre-monsoon preparations. Residents are forced to seek refuge on embankments, where even delivering relief supplies remains a logistical challenge due to widespread inundation.

Despite MLA Singh’s efforts, his post has elicited mixed reactions, with significant criticism focusing on the government’s delayed response. The floods began causing havoc in mid-July, yet substantive action only gained momentum weeks later. An online commentary sarcastically remarked, “With great pride, MLA saab has posted that he inspected the flood again in Barhara. The problem started about a month ago. What to do, police comes late. Government also wakes up late.” This sentiment mirrors widespread frustration in Bihar, where annual floods are a recurring ordeal, often blamed on slow administrative responses and insufficient infrastructure upgrades.

Critics argue that proactive measures—such as reinforcing embankments and establishing early warning systems—could have mitigated the damage, given the predictable nature of Ganga overflows during the monsoon. While Singh’s inspections and relief distributions are welcomed, many feel they are reactive rather than preventive, arriving too late to avert the worst of the destruction. The ongoing erosion and lack of robust flood management strategies have intensified calls for systemic change.

The local community in Barhara has expressed a mix of gratitude for the MLA’s engagement and exasperation over the tardy relief efforts. Villagers have noted the difficulty of reaching isolated areas, with some accusing the administration of prioritizing paperwork over action. “The administration talks about relief on a war footing, but the ground reality is different. People are forced to take shelter on embankments, and relief delivery is a struggle when the entire village is underwater,” a resident lamented.

The Bihar government’s recent escalation of efforts, including flood warnings and evacuations, offers some hope, but the crisis’s persistence raises concerns about long-term recovery. MLA Singh’s offer of direct contact with affected residents provides a personal touch, yet the demand for faster, more organized interventions grows louder. As the Ganga continues to erode and displace communities, the need for sustainable flood management solutions—beyond temporary relief—becomes increasingly urgent.

The flood relief efforts in Barhara assembly, led by MLA Raghvendra Pratap Singh, reflect a valiant attempt to address a dire situation, but they are overshadowed by criticism of delayed action. With the Ganga’s fury displacing thousands and eroding villages like Jawaniya, the immediate provision of rations, plastic sheets, and community kitchens offers some solace. However, the tragedy of a month-long inaction underscores the need for preemptive strategies, including stronger embankments and early warning systems, to protect Bihar’s vulnerable regions.

As the state navigates this annual challenge, the resilience of Barhara’s people shines through, yet their plight demands more than sporadic visits and promises. MLA Singh’s ongoing commitment is a step forward, but only a concerted, proactive approach from the government can prevent future disasters from reaching such devastating proportions. For now, the people of Barhara await not just relief but a lasting solution to the floods that threaten their homes and heritage.