The Ganga River at Gandhi Ghat in Patna has surged beyond the danger threshold by 1.93 metres, prompting the Water Resources Department to raise an alert regarding potential flooding. As of 10 am on September 5, the water level was documented at 50.53 metres, compared to the danger mark of 48.60 metres. This rise in water levels brings the river perilously close to its Highest Flood Level (HFL) of 50.52 metres, causing officials to warn that a new record could be established.

In light of the situation, the Water Resources Department has issued directives to all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police for heightened precautionary measures. Special attention is being urged for riverine areas, known as Diara, where the risks from the rising water are expected to escalate. The authorities have been instructed to notify local residents and initiate necessary emergency actions.

Officials have been mandated to ensure that continuous monitoring and patrolling by district flood management teams are effectively enforced. The notice specified the importance of communicating with those residing near the embankments and advised that appropriate actions be undertaken swiftly.

Response from Local Politicians

Pappu Yadav, an Independent Member of Parliament, has voiced concerns regarding the adequacy of government relief efforts following his inspection of flood-affected regions in the Kursela-Bhagalpur area. He contended that the government’s actions appear to be mere formalities rather than effective measures. “We have come here to conduct an inspection, covering the entire stretch of the Kursela-Bhagalpur area. We spent the entire night out on the river. The government is merely going through the motions,” he stated.

Yadav further emphasised the shortage of essential supplies in affected areas, reporting a lack of drinking water, fodder for animals, milk for children, and anti-venom for snakebites. He critiqued the government’s food distribution efforts, stating they were poorly timed and inefficient, leaving many without assistance.

During his visit, Yadav provided financial support and essential supplies to impacted families, including Rs 500 per family and rice and flour packages. He expressed that support for the public is an obligation and reaffirmed the necessity of providing adequate resources during crises.

Government Actions and Measures

On September 5, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary convened a high-level meeting to review the ongoing flood situation. This meeting focused on assessing water levels, condition of embankments, and the effectiveness of relief operations across the state. The Chief Minister also performed an aerial assessment of the affected regions in low-lying areas along the Ganga and its tributaries.

Choudhary instructed local authorities to remain on-site in their respective districts to guarantee timely assistance for those in need. He called for the creation of a comprehensive list of affected families to ensure that no one experiences delays in receiving necessary support.

In an effort to oversee the situation, the state government has deployed 27 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and 9 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to help with rescue and relief operations. Continuous monitoring of embankments from Buxar to Bhagalpur is mandated, and the flood command centre has been integrated with the Chief Minister’s Dashboard for real-time updates and oversight of operations.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share