Flood-Like Situation in Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar Inspects Affected Areas, 5 Lives Lost So Far

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted inspections of the Ganga's rising water levels at key locations in Patna and Hajipur on Saturday, and urged district officials to "stay alert and be prepared to address any situation" as flooding intensifies.

Officials reported that the river levels have surpassed the danger mark at Digha Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Hathidah, and Maner in Patna district, leading to flooding in several low-lying areas of Patna and Hajipur in Vaishali district.

Flooding Affects Low-Lying Areas and Reports of Casualties

The rising water levels are not confined to the Ganga; nearly all rivers in the state are impacting vulnerable localities. Tragically, at least five lives have been lost so far, four in Saran and one in Bhojpur, as floodwaters have inundated their regions.

Chief Minister Directs Preparedness and Relief Efforts

The Chief Minister, accompanied by senior officials, conducted an inspection of the Ganga's water levels at J P Setu, Kangan Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, and Krishna Ghat.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said, "The CM directed the district administration and other officials concerned to remain alert and be prepared if the water level rises further." 

According to the state Disaster Management Department (DMD), approximately 11 districts along the Ganga are experiencing flood-like situation and around 5.35 lakh people living in low-lying areas have been affected by rising water levels. 

A total of 259 village panchayats in these districts have been impacted, with Bhojpur and Patna each reporting a maximum of 43 affected panchayats, officials added.

Support for Flood-Affected Farmers and Relief Initiatives

Kumar also visited a relief camp for flood-hit people in Hajipur, instructing officials to "take all-out efforts to provide assistance and relief." The statement added that a large number of people from low-lying areas have been evacuated and brought to the camp.

Additionally, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for the agriculture department and Vaishali district administration to ensure that farmers involved in banana plantations receive adequate compensation for crop damage due to flooding.

"The agriculture department has been directed by the CM to conduct an immediate survey to assess the damage to crops…so that compensation is distributed among the affected farmers at the earliest," the statement added. Officials noted that flash floods have destroyed several acres of banana plantations in Vaishali district.

(With PTI inputs)