Patna: The Bihar Water Resources Department has sounded an alert over a possible sudden rise in the water level of the Gandak River following a cloudburst in Tibet that triggered a significant surge of water in Nepal.
The cloudburst occurred in the Tibet region on Wednesday morning, resulting in a surge of approximately three metresin the Bhote-Koshi River. The river originates in Tibet and joins the Trishuli River in Nepal.
The resulting flow, after causing damage in parts of Nepal, is expected to move towards the Gandak River and could lead to an unexpected increase in its discharge and water level downstream in Bihar.
In view of the situation, the Water Resources Department has activated its flood-preparedness mechanism and warned districts located within the Gandak River basin to remain vigilant.
All 36 Gates of Gandak Barrage Opened
As an immediate precautionary measure, the department has opened all 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar to facilitate the smooth discharge of water.
A technical team led by a Superintending Engineer from the Water Resources Department headquarters has also been dispatched to the Gandak Barrage to monitor the situation on the ground.
Department officials have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and continuous monitoring of the river and barrage conditions.
The department has also directed officials to keep adequate stocks of flood-relief materials ready and undertake regular inspections of embankments so that any emergency can be addressed without delay.
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Gandak Barrage Discharge at 86,000 Cusecs
According to the Water Resources Department, the discharge from the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar stood at 86,000 cusecs at 12 noon on August 26, and the discharge was showing a rising trend.
Meanwhile, the water level of the Narayani River at the Devghat gauge site in Nepal was recorded at 4.77 metres.
The warning level at Devghat is 7.30 metres, while the danger mark is 9 metres. Authorities are closely monitoring the gauge level because any significant rise could result in increased downstream flow towards the Gandak Barrage.
Officials estimate that if the water level at Devghat rises, it would take approximately 3.50 hours for the corresponding flow to reach the Gandak Barrage.
Districts in Gandak Basin Put on Alert
The Water Resources Department has issued warnings to districts situated within the Gandak River basin, directing local authorities to make all necessary preparations for a possible rise in the river.
The Chief Secretary of Bihar also convened an urgent meeting with the concerned District Magistrates (DMs) to review the developing situation and ensure preparedness at the district level.
The DMs have been instructed to ensure that people living within the embankments and vulnerable areas are alerted in advance through public announcements or miking.
Authorities have also been asked to make arrangements for the timely evacuation of residents to safer locations if the river level or discharge rises to dangerous levels.
NDRF, SDRF Teams Being Deployed
As part of the emergency preparedness measures, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are being deployed in areas that could potentially be affected by the increased flow.
Officials have been directed to remain prepared for rapid response and evacuation operations if required.
The administration is also keeping a close watch on embankments and other vulnerable points along the Gandak system to prevent any situation from escalating.
Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary Reviews Situation
Separately, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary held a meeting to review the situation arising from the anticipated rise in the Gandak River.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of Bihar, the Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, and the Secretary of the Water Resources Department.
During the meeting, officials were instructed to remain on high alert, take all necessary preventive measures without delay and maintain continuous monitoring of the river and the developing situation.
Authorities Prepare for Sudden Rise in Water Level
The administration’s immediate focus is on managing the anticipated surge, ensuring safe discharge through the Gandak Barrage and protecting people living in vulnerable areas.
With the water level at the Devghat gauge site being closely monitored and the Gandak Barrage already releasing 86,000 cusecs of water, officials are preparing for a possible increase in downstream discharge.
The Chief Secretary has directed district administrations and concerned departments to remain prepared for evacuation, relief operations and emergency response, while the Water Resources Department continues to monitor the river, barrage and embankments.
The situation remains under close watch as authorities assess the impact of the water surge originating from the Tibet-Nepal region on the Gandak River system in Bihar.
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