Bhagalpur. The flood threat has intensified in Bhagalpur’s Gopalpur block as the Ganga has risen close to its highest recorded flood level. On Wednesday at 6 am, the river’s water level was recorded at 33.44 metres at Ismailpur-Bind Toli Safety Embankment No. 7.
According to data received from the Water Resources Department, the Ganga’s water level rose by four centimetres in the previous 12 hours. The river is now just six centimetres below its historic highest flood level of 33.50 metres recorded in 2021.
The rapidly rising water level has increased concern among local residents and administrative authorities. The situation is increasingly being compared with the severe flood conditions witnessed in 2021.
Pressure Mounts on Embankment No. 7
The strong flow of the river and increasing water pressure have made the condition of Safety Embankment No. 7 particularly sensitive. The highly vulnerable Brahmottar embankment in the area is also facing increasing pressure.
Floodwater is reportedly exerting direct and heavy pressure on sections of the Brahmottar embankment where the structure is weak. Engineers and technical teams from the Water Resources Department are monitoring the situation.
However, the continuous force of the river is posing a challenge to the strength of the embankments.
Villagers Fear Flooding and Erosion
Residents of villages along the riverbank are living in fear of possible flooding and erosion. People are worried that a breach in the embankment could result in significant loss of life and property.
Gopalpur farmer Ramesh Mandal expressed his concern, saying, “We keep thinking about what will happen if the embankment breaks at night. Our children and livestock could all be washed away.”
Like Ramesh, hundreds of farmers have planted paddy and maize crops for the Kharif season. Their crops are now at risk of being submerged.
Farmers Stay Awake to Guard Embankments
For many villagers, livestock are not only animals but also an important source of livelihood. Residents are also worried about their homes and properties built through years of hard work being damaged by floodwater.
Fear and uncertainty have kept many villagers awake at night. Some residents are guarding the embankments themselves with sticks and torches so that they can immediately alert others in case of any emergency.
