FLOOD THREAT RISES IN BIHAR

FLOOD THREAT RISES IN BIHAR

27-AUG-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------The risk of flooding in Bihar has increased following devastating floods in Nepal. Anticipating a rise in water levels in rivers flowing from Nepal, the state government has heightened vigilance. Special monitoring is being conducted in eight districts directly affected by the Gandak River. Meanwhile, the administration has also been placed on high alert in areas adjacent to the Kosi and Bagmati rivers. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary held a meeting with senior officials on Wednesday to review the potential flood situation in the state. He instructed officials to maintain constant surveillance in flood-prone areas and ensure full preparedness to handle any emergency. Ramkripal Yadav expressed concern over the Nepal floods, stating that India would assist those affected. During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister inquired about river water levels, the condition of embankments, and administrative preparedness in affected areas. He emphasized that public safety is the government's top priority. Instructions have been issued to strengthen relief and rescue arrangements in advance for areas at high risk of flooding. Heavy rainfall in Nepal has caused water levels in its rivers to rise, which could directly impact rivers in Bihar. Special vigilance is being exercised in several districts of western and northern Bihar due to the rising water level of the Gandak River. A process has been initiated to relocate residents from low-lying areas of districts affected by the Gandak River to safer locations. Administrative teams are visiting villages to assess the situation and raise awareness among the public about the flood threat. The administration has intensified the monitoring of embankments, with instructions to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at vulnerable locations. Teams from the Water Resources Department are continuously inspecting embankments so that repair work can begin immediately in the event of any damage. According to officials, monitoring is underway not only for the Gandak River but also for the areas surrounding the Kosi and Bagmati rivers. A rise in water levels in these rivers could pose a flood risk to the adjacent areas. The state government has directed officials in all relevant districts to ensure that disaster management preparations are fully in place. Instructions have been issued to guarantee the availability of relief materials, boats, medical teams, and other essential resources. In flood-prone areas, the administration has urged the public to ignore rumors and adhere to the guidelines issued by the authorities. Residents living along the riverbanks have been advised to exercise extra caution. Bihar faces flood-related issues every year during the monsoon season. Heavy rainfall in Nepal impacts Bihar's rivers, affecting several districts in North Bihar. Consequently, the administration is taking proactive measures this year as well. Following a review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, officials have intensified monitoring across all districts. Relief and rescue teams have been instructed to remain on standby, particularly in areas situated along the banks of the Gandak River. The Bihar government is currently keeping a close watch on the situation. Officials state that immediate and necessary steps will be taken if water levels rise; ensuring public safety and the timely delivery of relief remains the government's top priority.