Patna: With the monsoon expected to arrive soon and concerns rising over possible flooding in north Bihar, the rural works department (RWD) on Monday claimed that more than 3,000km of rural roads in seven flood-prone districts have been strengthened and are in good condition.The assurance comes after heavy rainfall in parts of Nepal last week triggered flooding in the Mechi river, affecting areas of Thakurganj block in Kishanganj district. According to the water resources department’s flood bulletin, rainfall in Nepal also marginally increased water levels in the Kosi and Gandak rivers.Against this backdrop, the RWD said 3,032km of rural roads in Madhubani, West Champaran, East Champaran, Supaul, Purnia, Araria and Kishanganj districts have been upgraded.“The RWD has been working extensively to improve the condition of rural roads and strengthen connectivity in the Bihar districts bordering Nepal and other border areas close to West Bengal in the eastern Seemanchal region,” the department said, adding that surface renewal work has also been completed.According to the department, 798km of roads have been strengthened in Madhubani, 627km in East Champaran, 306km in West Champaran and 271km in Supaul. In Seemanchal, 386km of roads have been upgraded in Purnia, 340km in Araria and 314km in Kishanganj.The IMD had earlier forecast below-normal rainfall in north Bihar during June-July, normal rainfall in Aug and below-normal rainfall in Sept.
