Bettiah: Heavy rainfall in Nepal has sharply raised the water level of the Gandak river, triggering flood-like conditions in low-lying areas of West Champaran, East Champaran and Gopalganj districts. Floodwaters have entered low-lying areas of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran, raising concerns over wildlife and animals moving towards human settlements.According to the Gandak barrage control room at Valmikinagar, 6.74 lakh cusecs of water was released from Devghat in Nepal on Sunday afternoon. Downstream of the Gandak, 4.62 lakh cusecs has so far been recorded this monsoon season, the highest so far, with the discharge expected to rise further.The flooding is likely to affect herbivores such as chital, sambar, barking deer (kakar) and hog deer, besides wild boar. Tigers, leopards and bears, along with smaller mammals and reptiles, may also be affected.Valmikinagar range officer Satyam Kumar said, “In case of flooding in the VTR, inundation of low-lying areas is most likely to affect herbivores and smaller animals. The major species likely to be affected include chital, sambar, barking deer (kakar) and hog deer among the deer species, besides wild boar. Among carnivores, tigers, leopards and bears may also be affected. Small mammals and reptiles affected by flooding in the Gandak river are also among them.”He added, “When floodwaters fill the forest, these animals generally move towards safer places, which are available in the higher areas of the forest. It is rarely seen that these wild animals migrate towards residential areas in search of safe shelter and food. The forest department’s patrolling teams are continuously monitoring these areas so that if any animal moves towards residential areas, it can be driven back towards the forest.”Floodwater has also started flowing over the Bagaha-Valmikinagar main road, NH-727, at Bhedihari under Valmikinagar police station. Around seven to eight blocks in West Champaran are likely to be affected.
