With the monsoon continuing to intensify the flood situation in Bihar, rising Ganga and Punpun river waters have disrupted daily life as well as rail and school services in several areas. The government is now preparing long-term measures to tackle recurring Ganga floods, while authorities have suspended train operations on a key Patna-Gaya section and closed schools in Mokama after floodwaters entered their premises.
Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary said on Saturday that the government is working towards a permanent solution to the Ganga flood problem. Embankments will be strengthened and improved, while ring dams and new stretches will be constructed wherever floodwaters are spreading over large areas, in some places up to 20 kilometres.
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The Chief Minister said the widespread flow of Ganga water needs to be contained through new stretches and ring dams to control flooding and provide relief to affected areas.
Ganga Siltation Also Under Focus
The government is also looking at the problem of siltation in the Ganga. Chaudhary directed officials to take necessary action and adopt long-term measures, including strengthening embankments while taking the changing condition of the river into account.
The administration has been put on high alert as water levels continue to rise at several locations. Around 20 lakh cusecs of water is being discharged into the Ganga, while 5.5 lakh cusecs is being discharged into the Son River.
Seven Schools Shut In Mokama
Rising Ganga water has entered school premises in Mokama block, forcing authorities to shut seven schools until further orders. The affected schools include Kasaha Diara Middle School, Janjira Diara Middle School, Nauranga-Jalalpur Primary School, Dhaurani Tola Middle School, Shivnar West Tola Primary School and Barhpur Bind Toli Primary School.
According to in-charge BEO Anjani Kumar, orders for the Janjira and Kasaha Diara schools had already been issued, while the remaining schools were closed on Saturday after the water level rose. The schools will reopen within 24 hours of floodwater receding from their premises. Teachers have been attached to nearby schools, and students can attend those schools if required.
Rail Services Hit, Trains Cancelled And Diverted
Rail operations have also been disrupted on the Patna-Gaya section after the Punpun River rose rapidly and reached the girders of Rail Bridge No. 21 in Patna district. The down line has been suspended as a safety measure.
10 MEMU trains have been cancelled for Sunday, while the Purnia Court-Hatia and Hatia-Purnia Court Express trains have been diverted through an alternative route. Several other trains, including services between Dhanbad, Patna, Ranchi and Banaras, have also been diverted.
Rail operations will resume once the water level recedes and the bridge is declared safe.
Mobile Medical Teams, Boat Ambulances For Flood-Hit Areas
To strengthen healthcare services in affected areas, mobile medical teams will be deployed in flood-hit villages. Boat ambulances will be provided in Diara areas, while medical camps will be set up wherever necessary.
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Flood-affected farmers will also be ensured benefits under the crop insurance scheme, with departments directed to ensure that no eligible farmer is left out.
Large boats being used for bridge construction are being prepared for emergency deployment. With approval from the Disaster Management Department, these boats can be used to evacuate people to safer locations and transport relief supplies.
Focus On Drinking Water, Relief Distribution
Authorities have been asked to pay special attention to the depth of hand pumps around relief camps and community kitchens to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water.
The administration also reviewed relief camps, community kitchens, dry ration and food-packet distribution. Officials were instructed to keep the list of flood-affected families updated on the Sampoorna portal so eligible families can receive relief and assistance on time.