Severe Ganga erosion in Bhagalpur’s Raghopur has swallowed large stretches of land and swept away the nearly century-old Chaiti Durga Temple. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said the situation remained serious due to changes in the river’s flow. Authorities are carrying out anti-erosion work, while relief camps and evacuation arrangements are being prepared.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary on Tuesday said the situation in Raghopur in Bhagalpur district was “challenging and difficult” as severe erosion by the Ganga swallowed large stretches of land and caused widespread damage. The nearly century-old Chaiti Durga Temple, a well-known religious site in the area, was also swept away by the swollen river during the day.
Choudhary, who also holds the Water Resources Department portfolio, said the situation had turned serious because of unexpected changes in the Ganga’s flow. He cut short his meeting in New Delhi and returned to Patna on Tuesday in view of the developments.
Speaking to PTI, Choudhary said erosion at several places had created pressure points, while senior department officials and engineers were on the ground and efforts to check the erosion were continuing. “The situation remains serious due to unexpected changes in the flow of the Ganga,” he said. Referring to earlier flooding, he said the department had carried out major anti-erosion work at the site when a pressure point had developed there. “The Ganga, in keeping with its natural course, has been causing erosion. The situation remains sensitive, and the department is making continuous efforts to bring it under control,” he said.
Water Resources Department Secretary Chandrashekhar Singh said the district administration and department officials were on high alert. “Rise in the Ganga’s water level and changes in its flow, with heavy silt deposition and strong currents, are triggering erosion at several places,” he told PTI. He said the situation around the Mahadevpur embankment remained challenging because of strong currents and continuing erosion. A large part of the embankment had been secured through protective work, though erosion and scouring were continuing near the structure. Residents in vulnerable areas were being alerted and arrangements were being made for evacuation, if needed.
