Bihar Flood Crisis Eases As Gandak Recedes, 7 Engineers Suspended Over Alleged Response Lapses

The flood situation in Bihar showed signs of easing on Sunday as the Gandak River began receding rapidly, even as the state government suspended seven engineers and ordered departmental proceedings against another senior official over alleged negligence in managing the recent flood emergency.

According to the Water Resources Department (WRD), the Gandak’s water level at Rewaghat in Saran had fallen 177 cm from its record high and was 50 cm below the danger mark. At Lalganj in Vaishali, the level had dropped by 130 cm but remained 52 cm above the danger mark. Officials expected it to fall below the danger mark within 24 hours.

The department said there was currently no pressure on the embankments, while seepage and piping problems had been resolved. Materials have also been stocked near vulnerable and previously breached stretches as a precaution.

The Gandak had reached unprecedented levels after heavy rainfall in adjoining areas of Nepal and Uttar Pradesh, with record highs recorded at Devghat in Nepal and at Bagaha, Dumariaghat, Rewaghat and Lalganj in Bihar.

However, inspections by the WRD found alleged delays in emergency response, including inadequate mobilisation of manpower and materials and poor coordination with local residents and elected representatives.

The government consequently suspended Saran Executive Engineer Santosh Kumar Prabhakar, Gopalganj Executive Engineer Md Sajid Iqbal, four assistant engineers and two junior engineers with immediate effect. Departmental proceedings were also ordered against Muzaffarpur Chief Engineer Kumar Manoj Gupta over alleged negligence following damage to the Champaran embankment.

The government said any negligence during disaster-related emergencies would invite strict action.

The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall in Nepal and adjoining areas during the last week of September, have affected nearly 9.87 lakh people across 169 gram panchayats in 30 blocks spread across six districts, West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur.

Relief operations remain underway, with 1,17,847 polythene sheets and 1,19,131 dry ration packets distributed so far. Authorities are operating 324 boats, while 196 community kitchens have provided food to affected residents. Fourteen NDRF teams and 28 SDRF teams have also been deployed for rescue and relief operations.