Introduction
Bihar is a major agricultural state, but this state faces the horror of floods every year. Floods are one of the most serious problems in Bihar, which significantly affects life, the economy, and development here. This problem is not limited to natural disasters only, but is also linked to social, administrative, and geographical reasons. In this essay, we will attempt to understand why floods occur in Bihar, its history, the areas most affected by them, and the management plans the state government has in place to address the issue.
What is the main reason for the flood in Bihar?
There are many reasons for floods in Bihar, but the following are the main ones:
- Excess of rivers and their flow: Ganga, Kosi, Bagmati, Gandak, Ghaghara, etc., rivers flow through Bihar. These rivers originate from the Himalayas, and their water level increases excessively during the monsoon.
- Flow from the Himalayas: Rivers descending from the mountainous regions of Nepal enter the plains at a high speed, causing waterlogging.
- Raising of the riverbed: Due to the accumulation of silt over the years, the riverbed has become higher, so the water starts flowing by breaking the banks.
- Undeveloped drainage system: There is no proper drainage system in many districts of Bihar, due to which rainwater is not able to drain out quickly, and a flood situation arises.
- Anthropogenic causes: Encroachment, deforestation, indiscriminate construction, and wrong policies also promote floods.
Which is the biggest flood in Bihar?
The biggest and most devastating flood in Bihar to date is considered to be the Kosi flood of 2008. This flood rendered millions of people homeless, submerged thousands of villages, and caused a large loss of life and property.
What was the main cause of the 2008 flood in Bihar?
The main reason for the flood in 2008 was the breaking of the embankment of the Kosi River. This embankment broke in the Kushaha area of Nepal, due to which the Kosi river took its old path and it became uncontrolled and brought devastation in Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Araria and Purnia districts of Bihar.
When was the flood situation in Bihar the most horrific?
The most horrific flood situation in Bihar was seen in the year 2008. Although the floods of 1975, 1987, 1998, 2004 and 2017 have also been extremely deadly, the flood of 2008 is considered to be the most devastating.
When did the flood occur in Bihar in 1987?
The flood in 1987 occurred in late July and early August. The main reason for this flood was excessive rainfall and a sudden rise in water level in rivers. More than 500 people died in this flood, and thousands of villages were affected.
Which areas of Bihar are affected by floods?
The northern and eastern parts of Bihar are most affected by floods. The main affected districts are:
- Darbhanga
- Sitamarhi
- Madhubani
- Samastipur
- Supaul
- Saharsa
- Madhepura
- Purnia
- Katihar
- Muzaffarpur
- East Champaran
- West Champaran
- Araria
- Khagaria
Which part of Bihar is most affected by floods?
North Bihar, especially the Seemanchal and Mithilanchal regions, is most affected by floods. Areas near the Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, and Ghaghara rivers are flooded every year.
How many districts in Bihar are flood-affected?
According to Bihar government data, about 28 districts are affected by floods every year, of which 15 districts are severely affected by floods.
Why is Bihar the most flood-prone state in North India?
What makes Bihar the most flood-prone state among all the North Indian states?
Bihar is considered the most flood-prone state in North India because:
- Its geographical location is adjacent to Nepal, due to which the rivers flow directly into the plains.
- The drainage system of the state is weak.
- Excessive silt is deposited in the rivers.
- Heavy rainfall occurs during the monsoon.
- Embankments are not regularly repaired.
How to prevent floods in Bihar?
The following measures can be taken to prevent floods in Bihar:
- Repair and strengthen river embankments.
- Develop a silt management system.
- Increasing forest area and planting trees in hilly areas.
- Strengthening the early flood warning system.
- Developing parallel canals and water storage areas.
- Rehabilitating people in safe places.
- Implementing flood disaster management plans at the Panchayat level.
What is the flood disaster management plan for the state of Bihar?
The Bihar government has formed the “Bihar State Disaster Management Authority” (BSDMA) to deal with floods. The major schemes of this institution are as follows:
- Development of early warning system: Giving warning before floods through satellite and mobile networks.
- Flood Mapping: Identification of vulnerable areas.
- Disaster Relief Centre: Temporary camps for people in safe places.
- Provision of relief material: Availability of food, medicine, water, toilets, etc.
- Health Camp: For the prevention of diseases after the flood.
- Recruitment and training of volunteers.
- River Management and Silt Removal Plan.
Conclusion
Flooding is a serious and complex problem in Bihar, which is not only natural but also man-made. To solve this, the government, society and citizens will have to work together. Modern technology, sustainable policy and environmental protection are required for a long-term solution. If appropriate steps are not taken in time, this problem can take an even more formidable form in the future.