Another Lake Bursts On Tibet-Nepal Border, Bihar On High Alert From Valmikinagar To Kosi, 24-Hour Surveillance

New Delhi: After the severe flood and devastation in Nepal, now the danger of floods has increased in Bihar also. The situation became more serious on Friday due to the bursting of a temporary lake built on the Nepal-Tibet border. In view of the possible danger, surveillance of all the embankments of Bihar has been increased. Special vigilance is also being taken at Valmikinagar and Kosi Barrage.

The Water Resources Department has given instructions for 24-hour monitoring of all important embankments in view of the fluctuations in the water level in the Gandak River and the debris coming from Nepal.

Why did concern increase in Bihar after Nepal floods?

After the huge devastation caused by floods in Nepal, now the border areas of Bihar are also in danger. However, according to officials, the impact of water coming from Nepal has reduced considerably by the time it reaches Gandak Barrage in Valmikinagar.

Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Vijay Kumar Choudhary said that the distance of Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage from Nepal is about 250 to 300 kilometres. Because of this, the effect of water coming from Nepal reduced as it came down. He said that there was already less water in Gandak than normal, so the situation has not become extremely dire at present.

How much surveillance has been increased on Kosi Barrage?

After the floods in Nepal, surveillance has been increased on Veerpur Barrage. 17 out of 56 gates of Kosi Barrage have been opened. According to Water Resources Department officials, both the eastern and western embankments are safe and the condition of all spurs, studs and other structures is normal.

Around 1,42,360 cusecs of water discharge was recorded from Kosi Barrage at 8 am on Friday. At 12 noon this figure was 1,34,225 cusecs, while at 6 pm the discharge increased to around 1,44,775 cusecs.

Issuing an alert, the department said that about 10 thousand cusecs of additional water is likely to come from Bhotekoshi in Nepal. However, it is not expected to have a major impact on the flow of Kosi.

Which areas are at risk from Gandak River?

More than two dozen mountain rivers, including Gandak, coming from the hills of Nepal have been said to be a threat to the areas of North Bihar and West Champaran. If an incident like Trishuli River in Nepal happens in the border areas, Gandak and Sikarhana rivers in North Bihar including West Champaran can cause havoc.

Narayani river coming from Nepal is known as Gandak in India. Rivers like Kali Gandak, Marsyangadi, Maadi and Seti meet in it. Trishuli river is also found in Narayani near Devghat in Nepal.

What is the team of engineers doing on Gandak Barrage?

In view of the danger of flood, the Water Resources Department has deployed a technical team at Gandak Barrage. The team of engineers is monitoring 24 hours. Officials and police administration of the concerned districts have also been instructed to remain in alert mode.

Information about the discharge of Gandak River is being taken every half hour at the headquarters level. District Magistrates are also monitoring the condition of embankments in their respective areas.

Why did fear increase again due to Nepal's temporary lake?

The temporary lake built on the Nepal-Tibet border has once again raised concerns. Due to blockage of the river's path by debris, water accumulated and due to this a lake was formed. According to officials, about 20 lakh cubic metres of water had accumulated in the lake and about 30 lakh cubic metres of water was expected to arrive in the next three days.

If water pressure increases and the natural barrier breaks, there may be sudden flooding in the downstream areas. For this reason, continuous monitoring is going on in the areas around Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.

Why is Bihar in danger from Sikarhana River?

More than one and a half dozen mountain rivers coming from Ramnagar and Gaunaha meet in Laukaria, Champatiya and Sikarhana. Earlier in 2017, the flood in Sikarhana had caused huge devastation in many areas including West Champaran, Muzaffarpur.

After the devastating flood in Nepal on August 26, there was a fear of flood in Gopalganj, Saran and Muzaffarpur due to increase in water in Gandak River. In view of this, the Water Resources Department has deployed a special technical team at Gandak Barrage.

How many gates of Gandak Barrage were opened?

All 36 gates of Gandak Barrage have been opened to drain the floodwater coming from Nepal. Its objective is to safely divert excess water coming from Nepal. The teams of the department are continuously monitoring the water level and discharge.

At present, the flow of Gandak and Kosi rivers is being continuously monitored. Officials say that the situation is being monitored and if any threat increases, necessary steps will be taken immediately.