Ganga Breaches Danger Mark in Multiple States, Flood Risk Worsens: CWC

NEW DELHI:

The Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued a grave warning as the Ganga River continues to flow above the danger level at multiple locations across India, raising fears of worsening flood conditions in several states. The situation has been attributed to persistent and widespread rainfall across the northern and eastern regions of the country.

"The Ganga is currently flowing at severe levels at monitoring sites in six major locations, Hathidah and Gandhi Ghat in Patna, Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Ballia in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Farakka in West Bengal," the CWC said in its daily flood bulletin on Wednesday. 

The Commission also observed that the Kosi River is overflowing Bihar, which increases the risk of flooding in the area. Bihar's Burhi Gandak River is also said to be in "severe conditions," which denotes rising water levels and related dangers.

“The flood situation is deteriorating in several parts of eastern India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. These areas are currently being closely monitored due to the increasing water levels in the Ganga and its tributaries,” the CWC stated in its bulletin.

High alert has been issued to local authorities in the impacted states. In low-lying and flood-prone areas, evacuation operations have started and disaster response teams have been mobilized. In areas already experiencing waterlogging and displacement as a result of the swollen rivers, relief camps are also being established.

In Bihar, the administration is reportedly monitoring the situation closely in Patna, Bhagalpur, and neighbouring districts. “We are working in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force to ensure the safety of residents. People living along riverbanks are being moved to safer locations,” said a senior Bihar disaster management official.

The rising levels of the Ganga and its tributaries have also disrupted transport and communication in some areas. In Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, local roads have been submerged, and ferry services have been suspended due to strong river currents. Similar situations have been reported from parts of Sahibganj in Jharkhand and Farakka in West Bengal.

Rainfall is expected to persist in many of these areas over the coming days, according to meteorological forecasts, which raises the risk of riverine and urban flooding even more. Residents in areas at risk have been urged by authorities to exercise caution and heed directives from state disaster management organizations. 

Given the current weather, the Central Water Commission continues to regularly update the public and local governments on river levels and flood risks, advising them to take preventative action.