Bettiah: With the monsoon approaching, the West Champaran administration has intensified flood preparedness in vulnerable areas along the Gandak river. As part of the exercise, the water resources department (WRD) has begun stockpiling sandbags at key points along the PP embankment in Madhubani block, in the Gandak diara region under Bagaha subdivision.
Officials said sandbags have been placed along a 3.5km to 6km stretch of the embankment to address any emergency caused by flooding or erosion during the monsoon.
Assistant engineer Prince Kumar Yadav and junior engineer Mohammad Noor Shams said, “As per departmental instructions, over 1,000 sand-filled bags have been stocked along the embankment.” They added that the bags would be used for immediate repair in case of rain-induced erosion, breaches, or formation of pits.
Despite the preparations, the Gandak river is currently flowing at a normal level. On Monday, around 6,000 cusecs of water was released from the Valmikinagar barrage. With no heavy rainfall in Nepal’s Terai region, the river has not witnessed any significant rise so far.
“The river level largely depends on rainfall in Nepal. A substantial increase is generally seen only after heavy precipitation in the upper catchment areas,” officials said. The embankment is under continuous monitoring, and WRD teams have been directed to remain alert throughout the monsoon. Volunteers are also expected to be deployed along vulnerable stretches for surveillance and emergency response.
Officials noted that flood risks rise with a sharp increase in river level, while erosion becomes a concern when water levels recede. To address both, sandbags and geo-bags are being stockpiled at vulnerable locations.
The administration said all necessary arrangements are being put in place to ensure a swift response to any flood-related situation.
