By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: All rivers in Bihar have once again begun to swell, with the Ganga River witnessing a significant rise in water levels across Patna. At Gandhi Ghat, the Ganga is now flowing above the danger mark, while at Hathidah in Patna district, it is nearing the red mark. As a result, water has started spreading into fields, and residents of the Diara region are being relocated to safer areas.
On Friday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar personally visited the riverfront to assess the situation. After reviewing the rising water levels, he issued necessary directives to the officials to manage the emerging crisis.
The increasing water level of the Ganga has led to the inundation of fields in the Diara area. Consequently, Diara residents have been moved to shelters near Gangapath. The water has also surrounded the 25 MLD STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) situated next to Gangapath, though it has not yet breached the STP premises due to its high walls. However, if the water level continues to rise, the STP could be at risk.
At Gandhi Ghat, the Ganga is now flowing over the stairs leading to the riverfront. The current water level at Gandhi Ghat is 48.70 meters, which is 10 centimeters above the danger mark of 48.60 meters. In Digha Ghat, the water level is just 56 centimeters below the danger mark, with a current level of 49.92 meters against the red mark of 50.45 meters. Similarly, in Maner, the water level is 1.67 meters below the danger mark, and in Fatuha, it is just 25 centimeters short of reaching the red mark.
The threat of flooding now looms over seven panchayats in the Diara area, prompting the administration to monitor the situation closely. Residents of villages adjacent to the Ganga, such as Hetanpur, Purani Panapur, Manas, and Navdiari, are anxious about the possibility of flooding, as floodwaters have already reached several of these locations.
As a precautionary measure, the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation has suspended the Ganga Mahaarati held at Gandhi Ghat on Saturdays and Sundays. This decision, effective from August 10th until further notice, was taken to ensure public safety amidst the rising water levels. The Mahaarati will resume once the water level of the Ganga returns to normal.
