By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The water levels of several rivers in Bihar have started rising again. According to the Water Resources Department and the Central Water Commission, the Ganga River at Gandhi Ghat in Patna has reached 49.52 metres, exceeding the danger mark of 48.60 metres by 93 centimetres. At Digha Ghat, the Ganga is flowing at 50.60 metres, above the danger level of 50.45 metres.
The Ganga River’s water level is rising steadily from Buxar to Munger, causing water to inundate low-lying areas, particularly in the Diara region, where residents are facing increasing difficulties. Heavy rains in Nepal have also led to a rapid rise in the water levels of the Gandak River. Similarly, the Bagmati and Kamla Balan rivers in Muzaffarpur have crossed the danger mark.
Erosion caused by the Ganga is worsening conditions in several areas, including Buxar and Ara. In Jawainiya village, located in the Shahpur block of Ara, 12 houses have been submerged, with residents being relocated to safer areas by the district administration. Erosion is also progressing rapidly near Navaniya village in Buxar. In Raghopur, floodwaters from the Ganga have entered low-lying areas, cutting off communication with the block headquarters. Additionally, four panchayats in Sonpur are now inundated by floodwaters.
The Central Water Commission has warned of rising water levels in other rivers, including the Ganga. In response, the Water Resources Department has issued an alert and increased the monitoring of embankments. Engineers and officers have been instructed to patrol the areas at night to ensure safety.