Flooding is a recurring phenomenon in the State but the losses can be mitigated by a slew of measures like linking rivers

The Diara region, situated approximately 60 kilometres south of Muzaffarpur in Bihar, experiences annual flooding. The recurring floods are primarily attributed to the fertile land alongside the Burhi Gandak River, a tributary of the Ganges. Every year, thousands of hectares of cultivable land in this vicinity are affected by these floods, impacting not only Muzaffarpur but also the broader Burhi Gandak region, which encompasses districts like Western and Eastern Champaran, Siwan, and Gopalganj.

Shivchandra Rai, hailing from the Diara region, highlights that people, mostly men, migrate to other states for employment opportunities in the aftermath of floods but do return to their villages just before the floods to ensure the safety of their families. These individuals often construct makeshift dwellings on embankments. In the year 2022, the unprecedented scale of destruction caused by the floods was so overwhelming that, driven by fear, people were unable to return to their homes for an entire year.

While some families do relocate to the city during or after floods, not everyone has the means to do so. Take the case of Baban Singh, a 30-year-old resident of the village of Sohansa in Muzaffarpur. He says, “I cannot abandon my residence and farmland which is near the riverbank during the flood.” Given his situation, he majorly becomes reliant on government assistance.

When we look at the figures of devastation due to floods in Muzaffarpur district, there are around 10 villages in Sahebganj block that are situated along the river. Among them, Hussepur Ratti is one where approximately 3000-4000 residents face a lot of difficulties after the occurrence of floods. In these villages, a significant population lives near the river and depends on the fertile land and livestock for their livelihood. According to Kamlesh Rai, the head of Hussepur Ratti, floods severely disrupt transportation and hinder the provision of essential services such as children's education, meals, clean drinking water, and sanitation facilities. This inadequacy in basic amenities contributes to the surge in various diseases.

The local elders from these regions recount that in the past, the floods caused by the river were considered blessings for the hundreds of villages situated along its banks. These floods brought fertile silt to the fields, preventing them from becoming waterlogged. After a few days, the floodwaters would recede from the lakes, ponds, and canals, leaving behind enriched soil. As soon as the waters receded, the summer crops of the farmers would thrive. However, the situation has completely reversed today.

The inhabitants of this region confront a range of challenges in their quest for survival, spanning from the constant fear of their homes being swept away by floods to the dearth of local employment opportunities exacerbated by the recurring floods.

Reflecting on the Government’s aid, Surendra Rai, the District Councillor points out that the government's aid to flood-affected individuals is short-term and lacks a solid plan for a permanent solution. Conversely, Gudiya Kumari, former head of Chand Kuari Panchayat in Paroo block proposes a solution. She suggests that the government should utilise the funds from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to offer lasting shelter to those whose homes face yearly flood damage. These residences would be constructed in elevated areas, safeguarding them from recurring floods.

As of this year, the water levels of several rivers have risen, prompting the government to be on alert. Currently, as per a recent report, the rivers in north Bihar including the Sone, Gandak, Punpun, Bagmati and Ganga, were either flowing above their danger levels or were nearing the danger mark. While the Gandak River is already flowing 0.35 cm above the danger mark near Sidhwalia in Gopalganj, the rising water level of the Bgamati River has already flooded many villages in Muzaffarpur. At least 16 panchayat areas have been cut off from the district headquarters as the temporary bridge in Katra has been shut due to overflowing of water. 

Flood damage in Bihar remains a recurring event every year, putting numerous lives at risk. According to several experts, preventing flood damages demands a rather comprehensive approach. This includes enhancing floodwater drainage systems, fortifying preparedness, managing watersheds, conserving soil, dredging rivers, and maintaining embankments. River-linking projects are also crucial. These measures collectively will empower governments to substantially curtail flood-related losses in both life and property.

(Patel writes on development issues in rural Bihar. The views expressed are personal. Charkha Features)