Is the Ganga River Threatening Bihar with Severe Flooding?
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Synopsis
The Ganga river is rising dangerously across Bihar, posing a severe flood threat. With embankments under pressure and heavy rainfall causing additional strain, officials are urging residents to stay vigilant. This situation highlights the urgency of addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities as nature unleashes its fury.
Key Takeaways
- Ganga river levels are critically high across Bihar.
- Ten districts are under flood threat.
- Continuous rainfall in Nepal has exacerbated the situation.
- Infrastructure vulnerabilities are being exposed.
- Residents must stay vigilant and prepared.
Patna, July 23 (NationPress) The Ganga river has once again become a force to reckon with across Bihar, endangering millions as water levels surge from Buxar to Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district. All 108 gates of the Farakka Barrage have been opened after the river exceeded the danger mark.
As of Tuesday evening, the water levels in Patna were measured at 43 cm above the Farakka level and 20 cm beyond the danger mark, putting significant strain on embankments.
The Water Resources Department has mobilized 600 personnel for continuous monitoring of at-risk embankments, with over 45 engineers conducting nighttime patrols to avert breaches.
Ten districts - Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Vaishali, Samastipur, Munger, Begusarai, Katihar, Bhagalpur, and Khagaria - are facing an imminent flood threat.
Intense rainfall in Nepal has caused the Kosi and Budhi Gandak rivers in North Bihar to swell, with the Budhi Gandak being 41 cm above the danger mark in Khagaria. The Kosi has surpassed critical levels in Supaul and Saharsa.
Heavy rains in Nepal have resulted in the release of 1,10,845 cusecs of water from the Kosi Barrage.
The Mahananda River is also rising steadily, affecting eastern Bihar and the Seemanchal region.
In Bhagalpur’s Sabour, Kahalgaon, and Pirpainti, erosion from the Ganga is consuming agricultural land, while floodwaters have infiltrated villages in Bariyarpur, Munger.
In Kahalgaon, the Ganga is currently 26 cm over the danger mark.
In addition to the Ganga, the Kosi, Burhi Gandak, and Mahananda rivers, along with the Gandak, Punpun, Son, Falgu, and Dardha rivers, have also exceeded danger levels in multiple locations.
Continuous rainfall over the past week has highlighted the vulnerability of Bihar’s infrastructure. The approach road to a high-level bridge under the NABARD scheme in Lohagada, Kishanganj, has collapsed.
The Sitadhar bridge in Forbesganj has subsided, causing disruptions to highway traffic.
Bihar is currently grappling with a dual crisis - the wrath of nature threatens embankments, while inadequate infrastructure undermines public trust.
Officials are cautioning that conditions may worsen in the coming days, urging residents of low-lying areas to stay vigilant.
Point of View
I emphasize the urgent need for effective disaster management in Bihar. The rising water levels of the Ganga and other rivers pose a significant threat to millions. This situation calls for immediate attention from local and national authorities to protect vulnerable communities and improve infrastructure resilience.
NationPress
09/09/2025
