Patna: Bihar has stepped up flood preparedness after heavy rainfall in Nepal’s Terai region raised concerns over rising water levels in rivers flowing into the state. The administration has placed 17 vulnerable districts linked to the Gandak, Bagmati and Kosi river systems under special vigilance.
The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, with senior officials from the Disaster Management Department and Water Resources Department, along with district magistrates of the vulnerable districts, joining through video conference. Contemporary reports also confirmed that authorities were instructed to closely monitor rivers, embankments and low-lying areas as the weather situation developed.
17 Districts Put Under Special Vigilance
The districts placed under heightened monitoring are Sitamarhi, West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Vaishali, Gopalganj, Saran, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Katihar, Khagaria and Begusarai.
District administrations have been directed to maintain continuous watch over river water levels and flow, particularly in areas vulnerable to sudden changes in discharge. Officials have also been asked to closely monitor embankments, low-lying settlements, villages located along riverbanks, bridges, culverts and connecting roads.
The alert covers areas associated with the Gandak, Bagmati and Kosi river systems, which are particularly sensitive to changes in rainfall and water discharge from upstream areas.
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Kosi Water Level Falls, But Vigilance Continues
Officials noted that the water level of the Kosi River had shown a decline, but districts located along the river were still instructed to remain alert.
The situation around the Gandak also remained a focus because of heavy rainfall in its catchment areas in Nepal. Reports on September 26 said the discharge from the Valmikinagar Barrage on the Gandak had reached a high level and the river was showing a rising trend.
The administration is therefore treating continuous monitoring as a precautionary measure rather than waiting for flooding to occur before beginning response operations.
NDRF, SDRF Kept Ready for Emergency Response
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit directed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to remain fully alert.
The Disaster Management Department has also completed arrangements for essential rescue equipment in vulnerable areas. These include adequate numbers of boats, life jackets and other rescue materials.
Officials have been asked to keep vehicles and other resources in active or standby mode so that rescue and relief operations can begin immediately if the situation worsens.
Early Warnings and Evacuation Plans in Place
The administration has also been instructed to issue early warnings in potentially affected villages through miking and public-address systems.
If water levels rise and conditions become unsafe, people living in low-lying or vulnerable areas will be shifted to safer locations in time. The preparedness plan is aimed at ensuring that evacuation does not have to wait until flooding reaches a critical stage.
The approach also places emphasis on keeping local communities informed so that residents can respond quickly to official warnings.
Departments Told to Work in Coordination
The Chief Secretary directed the district administration, police, Water Resources Department and Disaster Management Department to remain in continuous coordination.
All necessary equipment, vehicles and other resources have been kept ready so that authorities can move quickly in case of an emergency.
The meeting was attended by Disaster Management Department Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall and Water Resources Department Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh. Additional Secretary Mohammed Nadeemul Gaffar Siddiqui, Joint Secretary Avinash Kumar and Deputy Secretary Aman Preet Singh also participated.
District magistrates from the 17 vulnerable districts joined the review through video conferencing and were briefed on the need for continuous monitoring and preparedness.
Bihar Keeps Emergency Helpline Open
For emergency assistance, the Disaster Management Department has issued the toll-free helpline number 1070. Residents can contact the number for help during an emergency.
The administration’s preparedness comes as rainfall in Nepal’s catchment areas can quickly affect river conditions in northern Bihar. The India Meteorological Department’s September 26 warning also indicated heavy rain conditions in Bihar for that day, reinforcing the need for precautionary measures.
With rescue teams, equipment, vehicles and communication systems kept ready, Bihar’s focus is now on early warning, continuous monitoring and timely evacuation to minimise the impact of any sudden rise in river levels.
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