Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Sep 4: Concerns over the flood situation in Bihar intensified on Friday as water levels in several rivers continued to rise, while major barrages released substantial quantities of water.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas and reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations.

Taking to X, Choudhary said he assessed the flood-hit areas through an aerial survey and reviewed the relief and rescue measures being undertaken by the administration.

He directed officials to take swift and effective action to ensure timely assistance to people in affected areas, minimise their difficulties and protect lives and property.

According to Water Resources Department data available until 2 pm on Friday, the Son, Kosi and Gandak barrages were releasing large quantities of water.

The highest discharge was recorded at the Son Barrage in Indrapuri, where the flow continued to show an upward trend.

The discharge from the Son Barrage increased by 43,741 cusecs between 11 am and 2 pm. The department has listed the barrage’s design discharge capacity at 14.58 lakh cusecs.

The rising discharge has prompted increased attention to the water level of the Son River and conditions in downstream and adjoining areas, particularly villages and low-lying regions.

Kosi, Gandak discharge remains steady

The discharge from the Kosi Barrage at Birpur remained comparatively stable during the same period.

At 11 am on Friday, the discharge was recorded at 2,02,310 cusecs. It declined to 1,94,100 cusecs at noon and stood at 1,91,175 cusecs at both 1 pm and 2 pm.

The Water Resources Department described the trend at the Kosi Barrage as “steady”, indicating that no significant increase in discharge had been recorded during the preceding hours.

However, given the Kosi’s sensitivity to changes in water levels, officials continue to closely monitor the river and the condition of its embankments.

At the Gandak Barrage in Valmikinagar, the discharge remained unchanged at 1,42,800 cusecs from 11 am to 2 pm.

The department also categorised the trend there as “steady”. The design discharge capacity of the Gandak Barrage is 8.50 lakh cusecs.

With flood and waterlogging conditions already affecting areas along the Gandak, officials are maintaining a close watch over downstream areas. Any sudden change in discharge could further affect residents living along the river.

As of 2 pm on Friday, the Son Barrage was releasing around 5.18 lakh cusecs, the highest among the three major barrages. It was followed by the Kosi Barrage at 1.91 lakh cusecs and the Gandak Barrage at 1.42 lakh cusecs.

While discharge trends at the Kosi and Gandak barrages remained steady, the rising trend at the Son Barrage has emerged as a key concern for the administration.

The Water Resources Department clarified that the trend is assessed based on data from the preceding two hours and that discharge figures can change continuously.

With several parts of Bihar already facing rising river levels and flood-related problems, the administration has stepped up monitoring, particularly in villages and low-lying areas along the Son and other rivers.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and follow warnings and advisories issued by the local administration as officials continue to monitor river levels and barrage discharges.