Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Conducts Aerial Survey to Assess Rising Ganga Water Levels Amid Flood Threat

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently surveyed Patna and Vaishali districts from the air to evaluate the Ganga's rising water levels. Recent rains have caused the river to swell, threatening nearby areas with flooding. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that Kumar stressed the importance of prioritising relief and rescue efforts in these regions.

Officials have been directed to stay alert and present in affected areas, ensuring compliance with emergency protocols. Immediate relief, rescue, and rehabilitation actions are necessary in impacted locations. The Ganga is flowing above the danger mark at Gandhi Ghat, Digha Ghat, and Hathidah in Patna. Water levels have also risen significantly in several rivers across Vaishali, Saran, Bhagalpur, Purnea, Katihar, Supaul, and Saharsa.

Flooding in Low-Lying Areas

Flooding has affected low-lying areas in Patna rural and Nalanda districts. This situation worsened due to damage to small dams along the Falgu and Sakri rivers following heavy rains in Jharkhand. Affected areas include parts of Pandarak and Fatuha blocks in Patna and villages in Hilsa block, Nalanda.

Later, Kumar visited Saharsa to lay the foundation stone for a bridge over the Kosi River. This project costs Rs 414.74 crore and will connect Khuzra Deva Chowk with Deng Rahi Ghat. Additionally, Kumar inaugurated the renovated Maa Bishahra Bhagwati Temple in Saharsa and offered prayers there.

Disaster Management Efforts

The Bihar government’s Disaster Management Department (DMD) has urged officials from 11 districts along the Ganga River to take immediate steps for relief and rescue operations. Pratyaya Amrit, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the DMD, held a virtual meeting with district officials to assess the situation.

The ACS instructed officials to prepare for further water level increases. Almost all rivers are rising throughout their courses, affecting low-lying localities across the state. Approximately 5.35 lakh people live in these vulnerable areas, with 259 village panchayats impacted by the rising water levels.

Unforeseen Incident at Temple

After Kumar's programme concluded at the temple, chaos ensued as people began taking fish from a nearby tank before leaving. Local youths and children reportedly took all the fish. No senior officials were available for comments on this incident.

The situation remains critical as authorities continue monitoring water levels and implementing necessary measures to protect affected communities. The focus remains on ensuring safety and providing timely assistance to those impacted by flooding.