Bihar Water Resources Development Secretary warns water levels in rivers 'still on rise'

On July 19, Bihar’s Secretary of Water Resources Department Sanjeev Hans warned that  water levels in state from massive flooding were still on rise. His comments came after at least 8 districts in Bihar witnessed flooding across 30 blocks after all major rivers surpassed dangerous levels and broke banks entering urban settlement. Bihar’s water resources department h earlier warned that  Bagmati river was flowing above danger mark at Katounjha in Sitamarhi, Hayaghat in Darbhanga, and Beniab in Muzaffarpur. It furr cautioned that river Mahananda h jumped record danger level at Dhengraghat in Purnia, as per a news ncy report. 

While speaking at a press conference, Hans gave details of response plans and status of flooding in at least 4 major rivers of rrn Bihar. “Except for  Burhi Gandak river, all remaining rivers in Bihar are still rising,” ANI quoted him saying. Furr, he ded, “ old Gandak river is in rising trend but is still 30 to 40 centimeters below danger mark, except for one spot near ro-rail bridge where it is just above danger mark.” 

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Citing recent forecasts from Indian Meteorological Department, Hans warned, “In next 72 hours, almost all major rivers of state will be in rising trend. Rain is expected around catchment area in Bihar and Nepal.” Furr cautioning that rivers will overflow to “extremely dangerous” levels, Hans said, “ concerned districts have been alerted keeping situation in view.” He informed, saying, that  flood protected embankments were mostly safe from destruction that will likely be caused by turbulent water. He stressed that government has scrambled to check repairs, in case re were any, in nearby dams to prevent chances of any casualties. 

Relief teams on standby

“People are warned by IMD forecasts so that people living in lower places can shift to higher ground,” Secretary of Water Resources Department stressed. Meanwhile, ditional Secretary of Disaster Manment Department Ramchandra Do said at press briefing that  disaster manment department was fully equipped with several relief teams on standby. "Due to an increase in water level of rivers, 153 Panchayats of 31 blocks of 8 districts have been partially affected and relief camps are being run as per requirement," ANI quoted him as saying.  

(With inputs from ANI)

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