Bihar on high alert as Ganga rises above danger mark, 8 districts face flood threat

Rising Ganga levels have put eight Bihar districts on high alert as the state steps up flood preparations. Tejashwi Yadav has criticised the NDA government, alleging inadequate relief, awareness and rescue arrangements.Rising Ganga levels have put eight Bihar districts on high alert as the state steps up flood preparations. Bihar is on high alert as the water level of the Ganga continues to rise, with the administration placing eight districts, Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai and Jehanabad, on high alert amid the possibility of flooding in several areas.The administration has also directed officials to alert people living in low-lying areas about the rising water level. Local elected representatives have been asked to help spread awareness, while media, social media and public announcement systems will be used to share flood-related information.The rising Ganga water level in Patna is a major concern. According to the Water Resources Department forecast, the Ganga may cross its Highest Flood Level (HFL) at Gandhi Ghat in Patna on Thursday night. At Hathidah in Mokama, the HFL may be crossed around Friday afternoon.At Gandhi Ghat, the Ganga water level was 49.40 metres on the morning of September 1. It rose to 49.98 metres by the evening of September 2 and reached 50.18 metres on the morning of September 3. By 12 noon on Thursday, the water level had increased further to 50.25 metres. The water level at Gandhi Ghat has now reached around 1.65 metres above the danger mark. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited the Ganga riverfront and took stock of the rising water level, the safety of embankments and preparations in flood-prone areas. He directed officials to complete all necessary preparations in advance and remain fully alert.The Chief Minister also directed officials to keep safe shelters, medical facilities, drinking water, food and other essential supplies ready in advance in areas that may be affected by floods. If the situation worsens, authorities will move people living in vulnerable areas to safer locations. SDRF and NDRF teams will assist the administration in evacuation and rescue operations if required. Water Resources Department teams have been asked to remain on alert and keep a continuous watch on embankments to ensure their safety.Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has attacked the NDA government over the flood situation in Bihar. Yadav said several rivers, including the Ganga, Son, Punpun, Gandak, Budhi Gandak, Bagmati and Kosi, are flowing above the danger mark. He claimed that more than 15 districts are in the grip of floods and alleged that the NDA government has not made any preparation at the administrative level for flood prevention and relief work.Yadav said the rising water levels and floods have created fear among people. He alleged that the government has not provided any facilities for the safety of the public and flood-affected people and has not launched any awareness campaign.He said floods and erosion in diara areas have submerged farmers' maize and green vegetable crops. Water has entered homes, roads, schools and fields, he added.Yadav claimed that power supply has been shut in diara areas, forcing villagers to face darkness as well as drinking-water problems. He said villages have lost contact with block headquarters, leading to shortages of ration and essential supplies.Yadav demanded that the government immediately declare the diara areas flood-affected. He also said flood relief camps, community kitchens and medical facilities lack basic arrangements.Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Department has issued safety guidelines for people living along the Ganga. People have been advised not to go unnecessarily to the river, ghats, embankments or low-lying areas.People have also been asked to keep children, elderly persons and people with disabilities away from the river and waterlogged areas. They have been advised to avoid bathing or swimming in the river, unnecessary boat travel and taking selfies near the river.Amid the rising Ganga water level, CM Samrat Choudhary will conduct an aerial survey of flood-affected areas at 1 pm on Friday. He will take stock of the flood situation and arrangements in vulnerable areas.After the aerial survey, the Chief Minister will hold a high-level review meeting at 2 pm on Friday. The meeting will review the water levels of rivers, the safety of embankments and preparedness for relief and rescue operations.- EndsPublished By: Akshat TrivediPublished On: Sep 4, 2026 02:27 IST