Bhagalpur: — Responding to the severe flood situation impacting large parts of Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a direct cash transfer of ₹7,000 for every flood-affected family in Bhagalpur. The aid is part of the state’s wider relief strategy to provide quick financial assistance amid ongoing displacement, property damage, and infrastructure disruption.
The CM made the announcement during a virtual review meeting held on Wednesday to assess the state’s flood response across ten affected districts, with a sharp focus on Bhagalpur, one of the worst-hit regions.
Massive Humanitarian Impact Across 10 Districts
According to officials from the Disaster Management Department, approximately 24.64 lakh people have been impacted by floods in 54 blocks and 348 panchayats. In Bhagalpur district alone, over six lakh people across 85 panchayats in 12 blocks are dealing with flood-related challenges.
The meeting was attended by senior state and district officials, who shared updates on relief efforts and local conditions. The Chief Minister emphasized the urgency of relief delivery, instructing officials to ensure that the ₹7,000 compensation reaches affected families without delay or procedural bottlenecks.
On the Ground: Rescue, Food & Shelter
Relief operations in Bhagalpur have intensified:
- Rescue Operations: Over 32,800 people have been safely evacuated with the help of 60 motorboats, 1,233 rowboats, and a deployment of 104 boats specifically for transport.
- NDRF & SDRF Teams: 8 specialized teams, involving 180 personnel and 36 boats, are continuously operating across flood-hit areas to evacuate stranded residents.
Shelter & Aid:
- 8,811 individuals are currently in government-operated relief shelters.
- 1,785 dry ration packets and 52,573 polythene sheets have been distributed to help affected families with food and temporary shelter.
Feeding the Masses Through Community Kitchens
To combat hunger during the crisis, 186 community kitchens have been set up across Bhagalpur. Since August 8, they have served food to more than 7.67 lakh people, many of whom have lost access to cooking facilities or food supplies.
The state is also actively providing for livestock welfare: over 3,360 animals affected by flooding have been supported with 335 quintals of fodder distributed across villages.
Power Supply, Agriculture & Infrastructure
Despite the deluge, the power supply in flood-affected areas remains stable, according to the Energy Department. The Agriculture Department confirmed that 94% of paddy planting has already been completed statewide, but they are currently evaluating the extent of crop loss due to standing water.
The Water Resources Department is engaged in emergency measures, especially in Ismailpur’s Bindtoli area, where riverbank erosion poses a threat to local settlements.
CM’s Message: Act with Speed and Sensitivity
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reiterated that no family should be left behind in the relief process. He has ordered district administrations to accelerate cash transfers and maintain daily monitoring of food distribution, rescue operations, and shelter conditions.
The Chief Minister praised the collaborative efforts of district officials and frontline responders, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and people-first governance as waters continue to rise in some low-lying regions.
Officials in Attendance
Senior officials who joined the virtual review included:
- Himanshu Kumar Rai, Divisional Commissioner
- Vivek Kumar, IG, Eastern Range
- Dr. Naval Kishore Chaudhary, DM, Bhagalpur
- Hriday Kant, SSP
- Prerna Kumar, SP, Naugachia
- Shubham Kumar, Municipal Commissioner
- Other district-level and state department officers
Looking Ahead
The Bihar government’s fast-tracked flood relief operation reflects a growing commitment to digital direct transfers, on-ground coordination, and public welfare during natural calamities. As the monsoon continues, the focus will remain on rescue, rehabilitation, and rapid resource deployment to mitigate suffering and rebuild lives.
