Patna, Aug 28: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday conducted an aerial survey of the Gandak River and inspected the Valmikinagar Barrage amid concerns over rising water levels following a reported glacier burst in Nepal’s Tibet region.
Choudhary surveyed the Gandak stretch from Sonpur to Valmikinagar, assessing the flood situation, its possible impact and administrative preparedness in Bagaha, Valmikinagar, Bettiah and Motihari.
After landing at Valmikinagar, the chief minister inspected the barrage, including its upstream and downstream areas and the control room. The water discharge at the time of inspection was around 1.06 lakh cusecs, officials said.
Officials informed Choudhary that the Gandak’s discharge had peaked at 1,50,200 cusecs at 11 pm on August 26, following which it steadily declined. However, the river’s water level was rising again due to late rainfall in the Devghat area, they said.
The chief minister reviewed preparedness with the West Champaran district magistrate and superintendent of police, seeking updates on precautionary measures, security arrangements and relief and rescue operations.
He directed officials to maintain constant vigilance in vulnerable areas and ensure prompt action in case the situation worsens.
“All concerned departments and district administrations should remain fully alert and prepared,” Choudhary said.
He also directed authorities to expedite relief work and ensure adequate preparations to deal with any eventuality.
“Keep constant vigil in sensitive areas and take immediate action if required,” he told officials.
Emphasising the government’s priority during the flood situation, Choudhary said, “The safety of citizens and providing them with all possible assistance during floods is the state government’s top priority.”
Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, Water Resources Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh and other senior officials accompanied the chief minister during the inspection.
