Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary conducts aerial survey of Gandak flood-affected areas

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on August 27, 2026 conducted an aerial survey of the Gandak river from Sonepur to Valmikinagar to assess the situation in border and potentially flood-affected areas of Bihar in view of the flash floods in Nepal.

The flood situation, possible impact and administrative preparedness were reviewed in Bagaha, Valmikinagar, Bettiah and Motihari. After landing at Valmikinagar, the Chief Minister inspected the Valmikinagar barrage and reviewed the water discharge situation upstream and downstream of the barrage. At the time of inspection, the discharge was around 1.06 lakh cusecs.

The Chief Minister also inspected the control room at the barrage and sought updated information from Water Resources Department officials on the water level and discharge of the Gandak river. Officials informed him that at 11pm on August 26, the Gandak's water level had reached a peak discharge of 1,50,200 cusecs, after which a continuous decline was recorded. However, a fresh rise in the river's water level was being observed in the Devghat area due to delayed rainfall.

At present, no adverse impact has been observed on the embankments. The department is continuously monitoring the situation. The Chief Minister also sought an update from the West Champaran District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police on the prevailing situation and reviewed administrative preparations concerning possible impacts, precautionary measures, security arrangements, and relief and rescue operations.

He directed the officials concerned to work with full alertness, maintain continuous vigil in vulnerable areas and take immediate action whenever necessary. The Chief Minister said the safety of citizens and providing them with every possible assistance during a flood situation was the state government's highest priority. All concerned departments and district administrations must remain fully alert and prepared to deal with any possible situation.

The water level of the Ganga river is showing a decreasing trend. However, a marginal rise of 1-2 centimetres may occur at some locations. In view of this, the Water Resources Department and district administrations have been directed to maintain continuous monitoring.

During the inspection, Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Chief Minister's Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, Chief Minister's Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, Water Resources Department Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh and other senior officials were present.

All photographs: Aftab Alam Siddiqui