By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, September 26, 2026: The threat of flood has returned to several parts of Bihar, with authorities directing officials to maintain heightened vigilance across 17 districts.
In Gopalganj, the district administration has stepped up preparations amid a rise in the water level of the Gandak River following the release of around 3.5 lakh cusecs of water from Nepal.
Authorities have begun alerting residents living along the Gandak’s banks and in low-lying areas.
Administrative teams are using public-address systems to advise villagers to stay away from the river and avoid taking livestock towards the riverbanks.
Officials conduct awareness drive due to flood:
Sadar Circle Officer (CO) Rajat Kumar Barnwal personally visited affected and vulnerable areas to assess the situation and make villagers aware of the precautions required.
During a visit to Jadopur Dukhharan Panchayat, Barnwal appealed to residents of low-lying areas to move to safer, elevated locations on or near the embankment if necessary.
He also urged farmers and livestock owners not to take their animals to the riverbanks.
According to the administration, the water released from Nepal is expected to reach Gopalganj by the afternoon of the following day.
Officials are closely monitoring the river and maintaining communication with residents in villages along the Gandak River.
Barnwal said around 3.5 lakh cusecs of water had been released from Nepal.
He added that the district’s embankments are designed to withstand water pressure of approximately 6.5 to 7 lakh cusecs.
He said there was no immediate reason for panic but stressed that residents should remain alert and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
In view of the expected rise in the river’s water level, the administration has also imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bhartiya.
Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Under the restrictions, boatmen and members of the public have been advised not to venture into the river.
Officials warned that entering the river during a period of rising water levels can be dangerous and that increased flow may also raise the risk of erosion and undercutting of riverbanks.
Residents have therefore been urged to maintain a safe distance from the river and avoid any activity that could put their lives at risk.
Continuous monitoring underway:
The district administration is keeping a close watch on the Gandak’s water level and the condition of embankments.
Public announcements are being made in vulnerable areas to keep residents informed about the situation and safety measures amid the flood.
Officials have appealed to people not to believe rumours and to remain away from the river.
Residents have also been asked to immediately inform the administration in case of an emergency due to the flood.
With water released from Nepal expected to reach Gopalganj, preparations have been intensified along the river to minimize flood risk.
The administration has maintained that there is no need for panic, but residents must remain cautious and follow official advisories.
Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav targets the Bihar government over flood relief, drought and farmer compensation.
EOM.
