Ganga crosses four-year high in Sahibganj at 28.72 metres

Sahibganj: The Ganga’s water level in Sahibganj rose to 28.72 metres on Friday morning, crossing the highest level recorded in the district over the past four years and worsening conditions in riverine areas.

The water level is 2.22 metres above Sahibganj’s warning level of 26.50 metres.

The Ganga had reached a maximum level of 28.70 metres in 2025, while the corresponding levels recorded in previous years were 28.06 metres in 2024, 27.38 metres in 2023 and 28.60 metres in 2022, according to data cited by ETV Bharat.

The water level was still rising slowly on Friday.

Several areas affected by flooding

Floodwater has entered several villages in Rajmahal block, affecting movement and daily life in the riverine areas.

The administration has stepped up relief and monitoring efforts in the affected areas.

Officials inspected flood-hit areas including Gopalpur, Ghisu Tola, Makaiya Tola and Banskola on Friday along with an NDRF team and other personnel.

The inspection was led by Sub-Divisional Officer Amar John Aind and Sahibganj Circle Officer Basukinath Tudu.

Officials assessed the condition of affected families and distributed food supplies. They also directed field officials to ensure timely delivery of relief material and maintain continuous monitoring of the affected areas.

Schools near Ganga closed for two days

Government and private schools located along the river have been ordered to remain closed on September 11 and 12 because of the rising water level.

Schools in the affected areas are expected to reopen on Monday.

CWC says water level may stabilise

Chhote Lal Malto, site in-charge of the Central Water Commission in the area, said the Ganga’s water level was falling between Buxar and Munger and was stable at other locations.

He said the gradual rise in Sahibganj was linked to the release of water from the Kosi.

The water level in Sahibganj is expected to stabilise soon, he said.

Livestock owners report shortage of fodder

Livestock owners staying with their animals at Shakuntala Sahay Ghat have reported a shortage of fodder.

They said the district administration had earlier asked them to move their animals from the diara areas and had assured them that fodder would be made available.

Several livestock owners said they had been staying at the ghat for several days but had not received fodder or seen officials visit to assess their situation.

Suneet Devi, Sundar Mandal, Mahendra Mandal and Ramprasad, among others, said they had around 50 cattle among them and were struggling to arrange fodder.

They said they had expected the administration to provide fodder but were disappointed with the response so far.