18 hrs ago

Bihar Floods Highlight Need for Basin-Wide River Cooperation

Bihar is facing serious floods even though it received less rain than usual overall.

Some places had very heavy rain in short periods, while rivers also carried large amounts of water from upstream.

Several major rivers rose above their danger levels.

The high Ganga made it harder for the Gandak and Punpun to drain into it.

This caused water to back up into nearby areas.

Embankments can protect land, but they can also make flooding worse when they break.

Experts say Bihar needs better drainage, protected floodplains, restored wetlands and improved warnings.

States sharing the river basin also need to coordinate reservoir water releases.

Key facts

Rainfall: Bihar received 27% below-normal rainfall between June 1 and the first week of September.
Rivers above danger levels: The Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Budhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghra rose above danger levels in different stretches.
Main weather pattern: Erratic weather produced localised heavy rainfall despite an overall rainfall deficit.
Backwater effect: The Ganga’s unusually high level made it difficult for the Gandak and Punpun to discharge their water.
Embankment concern: Embankments can separate rivers from floodplains, while silt deposition can reduce channel capacity.
Recommended measures: Suggested measures include restoring drainage channels, protecting floodplains, improving land-use planning, restoring wetlands and deploying early-warning systems.
Regional coordination: Greater coordination between riverine states is needed over reservoir releases.

indianexpress.com · 19 hrs ago