Bettiah: West Champaran district administration stepped up vigilance along the Gandak river on Wednesday after a sharp rise in the flow of the Bhotekoshi river in Nepal raised concerns over a possible increase in water levels in the Narayani-Gandak river system.According to the district administration, Nepalese authorities have cited the possibility of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) behind the sudden rise in water levels. Residents living along rivers in Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan districts have been advised to move to safer locations.The information was shared with the West Champaran administration by Nepal’s department of hydrology and meteorology (DHM) after a sudden surge in the Bhotekoshi’s water flow was reported from the Tibet side around 9am on Wednesday.Officials in Rasuwa reported damage in border areas due to the strong flow of the Bhotekoshi and said an assessment was underway. Vigilance was subsequently stepped up in Nuwakot and other downstream areas.The Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers have recorded a rapid rise in water flow. The Trishuli joins the Narayani, which enters India and is known as the Gandak. The developments in Nepal have prompted the West Champaran administration to closely monitor the possibility of a rise in the Gandak’s water level.West Champaran district magistrate Tarnjot Singh directed officials and executive engineers to take precautionary measures in villages along the Gandak and areas bordering Nepal. The administration said water levels and the possible impact on downstream low-lying areas were being closely monitored.Officials have been instructed to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place to deal with any eventuality. Control rooms have also been set up in all blocks vulnerable to flooding from the Gandak.People in vulnerable areas have also been asked to make advance arrangements for the safety of family members, particularly children and the elderly, as well as livestock.As a precautionary measure, residents of low-lying areas in Bagaha-2, Piprasi and Madhubani blocks, particularly those in Chakdahawa, Balua and Sisai panchayats, are being shifted to higher and safer locations.The district magistrate, along with sub-divisional officers, circle officers and block development officers, is conducting regular inspections of areas likely to be affected.According to data from the Gandak Barrage control room, around 82,000 cusecs of water was being released downstream of the barrage till Wednesday afternoon. The discharge increased to around 1.5 lakh cusecs by evening and was expected to cross 3 lakh cusecs by late Wednesday night, officials said.Authorities said they were keeping a close watch on the situation and had been directed to remain prepared for any further rise in water levels.
