Patna, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, announced on October 6 that the state’s flood conditions are gradually normalizing, reaching the final phase of the flood season. While river levels remain above danger marks in some areas, he assured that the situation is currently under control. However, he cautioned that rainfall in Nepal could alter conditions, prompting the department to remain vigilant.
During a press conference, Chaudhary highlighted the severe situation in several areas, including Bhagalpur, caused by unprecedented water flow in the Ganges this year. Department officials worked tirelessly to protect embankments. Following unexpected rainfall in Nepal, the Gandak River’s flow reached record levels. The Ganges also recorded new high flood levels from Gandhi Ghat in Patna to various points in Bhagalpur. He noted that pressure in the Gandak persisted for 10 to 12 days.
The flooding affected regions such as West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, and Vaishali, leading to damage at about five or six embankment locations. Chaudhary explained that rising water levels in the Ganges hinder the flow of water from rivers like Gandak, Koshi, Ghaghra, Kamla, and Mahananda, increasing backwater pressure. Prolonged high water levels can create piping conditions in loose soil, which may suddenly increase pressure on embankments.
Chaudhary mentioned that a departmental review revealed negligence among some officials, resulting in disciplinary action. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward lapses during disasters, emphasizing that any negligence in sensitive situations will not be tolerated. Media coverage of flood conditions and embankments aids in monitoring at headquarters.
The Deputy Chief Minister identified sediment management as a major issue for Bihar’s rivers, stating that the state government has long raised this concern at the central level. Since 2011, Bihar has emphasized the need for sediment management. This topic was also discussed during a meeting with then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2012-13 under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership. A framework for addressing this issue is now in development, with input being sought from states.
Chaudhary referenced the Farakka Treaty, highlighting that the 1996 agreement did not adequately consider Bihar’s interests. As discussions for renewing the treaty continue, Bihar has presented its case to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking assurances for the state’s interests.
He noted that many major rivers causing floods in Bihar originate in Nepal. Technical experts suggest that high-level dams could provide a permanent solution. While both the Indian and Bihar governments have initiated efforts in this direction, progress has stalled due to a lack of cooperation from Nepal.
In response to an ongoing dispute between Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Chaudhary welcomed the intervention of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh. He expressed optimism that a resolution is possible and indicated that the party is considering various aspects of the dispute.
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