Kosi, Gandak on watch as Nepal rain raises flood fears

Patna: Even as large parts of Bihar have received sparse rainfall over the past three days, rising water levels in the Kosi and fluctuating flows in the Gandak have kept flood fears alive in north Bihar.

The situation has been driven largely by comparatively heavy rainfall in Nepal, which feeds both rivers.According to the state water resources department (WRD), the Kosi discharged 86,510 cusecs through the Birpur barrage in Supaul on Tuesday. Though lower than Monday’s 96,080 cusecs and Sunday’s 95,110 cusecs, the river continued to pose a threat to downstream areas. Around 100 villages located between the Kosi embankments have already been affected by the rise in water level.The Gandak, too, remains under close watch. Water discharge through the Valmikinagar barrage stood at 61,000 cusecs on Tuesday, compared with 73,000 cusecs on Monday and 71,500 cusecs on Sunday. The WRD has marked the river’s upper reaches in pink, indicating a potential flood threat.In contrast, rivers in south Bihar continue to record poor flows because of below-normal rainfall. Water discharge through the Indrapuri barrage on the Sone in Rohtas fell sharply from 12,744 cusecs on Monday to 3,365 cusecs on Tuesday.

The North Koel, Punpun, Morhar, Falgu, Sakri and Panchane are also witnessing very low water levels, with some stretches resembling dry riverbeds.Rainfall has remained below normal across the state. On Monday, only six districts recorded rainfall in the lower double digits, while the remaining 32 received only single-digit rainfall. On Tuesday, 22 districts recorded rainfall in the lower double digits.The relatively better rainfall was confined to the Kosi division districts of Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul, and the Seemanchal districts of Purnia, Katihar, Araria and Kishanganj. The forecast for Wednesday is more encouraging, with rainfall expected in 13 districts, most of them in north Bihar, although widespread rain across the state is still unlikely.