Officials Monitor Gandak Barrage Flow as Rainfall Expected

Patna, August 27 – In the wake of flash floods sweeping Nepal’s upper catchments, Bihar’s water authorities have intensified surveillance of river stages, especially at the Gand‑ak barrage in Valmikinagar. The Central Water Commission reported that discharge at the barrage rose from 99,800 cusecs at 08:00 to 104,400 cusecs at 09:00 and peaked at 106,600 cusecs by 11:00, holding steady until 15:00 before easing back to 104,400 cusecs at 16:00.

Such rapid changes in flow are being tracked alongside fluctuating levels in the Ganga, Kosi, Bagmati and other tributaries. At Gandhi Ghat in Patna the Ganga stood 75 cm above the danger line early Thursday, with a stable outlook through Friday morning. Deegah Ghat recorded a modest two‑centimetre surplus over danger, yet an eight‑centimetre rise is projected for the next morning.

Further upstream, the Gandak in Hajipur, Vaishali was 89 cm below the danger threshold, with a slight decrease anticipated by night. Conversely, near Dumriya Ghat, Gopalganj the river was 31 cm above danger and could surge by 25 cm by early Friday.

District‑wise updates show mixed trends: the Ganga in Hathidah remained 75 cm above danger with a probable one‑centimetre rise, while at Munger the river lagged 50 cm below danger, likely to dip another three centimetres. The Son River at Munger measured 26 cm above danger, expected to increase by four centimetres.

The Kosi river displayed divergent behavior: Basua in Supaul was 94 cm below danger but may climb seven centimetres by night, whereas Balthara in Khagaria sat 71 cm above danger with a four‑centimetre fall forecast. Kursela in Katihar reported the Kosi 61 cm above danger, with a marginal rise anticipated.

Meteorological projections for the coming days suggest light to moderate rainfall across the Gandak, Kosi, Budhi Gandak and Mahnad basins, as well as the Gandak‑Bagmati adhabra and North Koil zones up to August 28. The Water Resources Department reiterated its full preparedness, emphasizing continuous monitoring of the Gandak Barrage and all major watercourses to enable swift action should water levels threaten populated areas.