Samastipur, July 26: The water level of the Ganga in Bihar’s Samastipur district has risen to 43.70 metres, just 1.80 metres below the danger mark of 45.50 metres, prompting the district administration and the Water Resources Department to intensify flood preparedness measures in vulnerable riverine areas.
Officials said the rising water level has heightened the risk of flooding in the Ganga belt covering Mohiuddinnagar, Mohanpur and Patori blocks. The swelling river has also led to a rise in the Baya River, with water beginning to spread into low-lying areas and agricultural fields.
Residents of villages along the riverbanks have expressed concern that the situation could deteriorate further if heavy rainfall continues in Nepal and the upper catchment areas over the coming days.
The Water Resources Department said it is monitoring the water levels of both the Ganga and the Baya round the clock while strengthening vulnerable embankments to prevent breaches.
“The water levels of the Ganga and Baya rivers are being monitored 24 hours a day. Vulnerable embankments are being repaired on a war footing. Soil filling is underway at vulnerable locations, and adequate supplies have been stockpiled,” said Manish Kumar Gupta, Junior Engineer, Water Resources Department.
He added that immediate repair work would be undertaken wherever reports of erosion or leakage are received.
“Wherever erosion or leakage is reported, the situation will be brought under control by immediate repairs,” Gupta said.
The district administration has placed all concerned departments on high alert and directed officials to remain prepared for relief and rescue operations in the event of flooding. Necessary arrangements have been made to respond promptly to any emergency, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Water Resources Department has appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the administration.
“People should ignore rumours, avoid unnecessary movement along the riverbanks and follow the guidelines issued by the administration,” the department said in an advisory.
It also urged people to immediately report any embankment leakage, erosion or other unusual developments to the local administration or the concerned authorities.
Although the Ganga continues to flow below the danger mark, authorities said they are maintaining a high level of preparedness as continued rainfall could push water levels higher in the coming days, increasing the possibility of flooding in low-lying areas.
