Ara: More than 10 houses have been swallowed by the strong current of the Ganga since Tuesday due to intense erosion and a significant rise in the river’s water level at Piparpanti village under Barhara block of Bhojpur district.On Wednesday, the Ganga at Barhara was flowing well above the danger mark of 53.08 metres. The water level reached 53.70 metres, around 62cm above the danger mark.After a brief lull in the flood situation, dozens of villages in Shahpur and Barhara blocks are once again facing the threat of flooding amid a steady rise in the levels of the Ganga and Sone rivers.Rahul Pandey, mukhiya of Balua panchayat in Barhara block, said 10 houses were washed away into the Ganga at Piparpanti on Tuesday due to intense erosion and the rising water level. “Hundreds of villagers have taken shelter in a village school, while many families have shifted to relatives’ houses in neighbouring villages. The administration is taking preventive measures, including the deployment of an SDRF team in the village,” he said.Bhojpur district magistrate Manesh Kumar Meena said anti-erosion work was continuing on a war footing at Piparpanti. “The district administration has stepped up relief and preventive measures to ensure the safety of residents,” he said.Following the DM’s directions, the additional collector (disaster management), Ara Sadar sub-divisional officer and district disaster management officer are jointly inspecting the affected site and reviewing the erosion situation and ongoing safety measures.During an inspection, the executive engineer of the flood control department was directed to expedite anti-erosion work and undertake preventive measures wherever required, according to a press note issued by the DM’s office. “Work is currently underway at Piparpanti, with further action being taken according to the ground situation,” it said.Public announcements are also being made in affected areas, particularly in Shahpur and Barhara blocks, urging residents to remain alert and avoid unnecessary movement along riverbanks and other vulnerable locations. Residents have also been advised to follow the safety instructions issued by the administration.“Though a boat service has been arranged at Neknam Tola, which is badly affected by flooding in the Ganga, I have asked the BDO and SDRF officials to arrange an additional boat to facilitate the movement of pregnant women and elderly villagers,” said Barhara MLA Raghavendra Pratap Singh.The animal husbandry department is conducting veterinary camps in affected areas of Shahpur and Barhara blocks as required and distributing essential medicines for livestock.“Polythene sheets have also been distributed among needy families in Piparpanti to provide immediate assistance,” a district official said.Revenue personnel have been deputed in flood and erosion-affected areas to ensure continuous monitoring at the local level. The district control room is functioning round the clock, with officials maintaining surveillance of the situation and coordinating with the departments concerned for fast action when required.
