Bihar Flood Situation Worsens After Nepal Rains; Pappu Yadav Seeks Probe Into Embankment Breach

Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said on Tuesday that rainfall in Nepal had contributed to the rise in water levels in Bihar. He said the department was closely monitoring the situation and that the current discharge remained below the peak recorded during the 2024 floods.

The Gandak River subsequently reached a record water level of 91.25 metres at the Bagaha gauge, surpassing its previous highest level. The Water Resources Department said 5,43,500 cusecs of water was released from the Valmikinagar barrage on September 28, with discharge remaining above five lakh cusecs for several hours.

Chaudhary said a Water Resources Department team had reached Valmikinagar overnight and was maintaining continuous surveillance. Additional engineers have also been deployed along vulnerable stretches of the embankments, with officials instructed to remain on round-the-clock alert.

The situation became more serious after a breach developed in the Champaran embankment near Khairtawa village in the Bagaha area. Water began flowing into agricultural fields, while repair and restoration teams were sent to the affected stretch.

The Water Resources Minister expressed hope that the situation would begin improving if there was no further significant rainfall in Nepal. However, authorities have continued to monitor downstream areas because floodwaters can take time to move through the river system.

Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, visited the damaged embankment in Bagaha on Tuesday and questioned the state government’s flood-management arrangements. He demanded action against officials and engineers whom he alleged were responsible for the repeated vulnerability of embankments in the region. His allegations have not been independently established.

Yadav questioned the expenditure on anti-erosion and flood-control measures, arguing that embankments continue to face breaches despite annual spending on their maintenance and strengthening. He also called for construction of guide bunds and spurs at vulnerable locations and measures to deal with silt accumulation in the Gandak.

The MP also raised concerns over arrangements for flood relief, including boats, medical facilities, community kitchens and assistance for people affected by inundation. He sought a high-level inquiry into embankment breaches reported during 2024 and 2026 and called for action against officials if an investigation establishes responsibility.

Yadav further demanded that the Valmikinagar and Bagaha areas be declared a national disaster zone. He called for a waiver of farmers’ loans accumulated over the past five years and compensation for losses suffered because of the flooding.

He also proposed using drones and artificial intelligence-based technology for a comprehensive assessment of crop and property damage, while demanding that relief and compensation reach affected families without delay.

The renewed flooding comes after several days of rising water levels in the Gandak basin following heavy rainfall upstream in Nepal. The increased discharge has affected parts of West Champaran as well as other downstream districts, with low-lying areas facing inundation and disruptions to road connectivity.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has also reviewed the flood situation and directed officials to maintain close surveillance of vulnerable areas and remain prepared for emergencies. The administration is continuing repair work at damaged embankment sections while monitoring river levels and barrage discharge.

With the Gandak’s water level reaching a new high at Bagaha, authorities remain focused on containing further breaches, protecting vulnerable settlements and ensuring relief reaches areas affected by the latest surge.