Buxar: With the Ganga rising steadily and just 30cm below the danger mark, residents of low-lying areas in Buxar are bracing for worsening flood conditions.The river was flowing at 60.02 metres on Tuesday, against the danger level of 60.32 metres and warning level of 59.32 metres, according to the Central Water Commission (CWC). The rising Ganga has also pushed up the water level of the Karmnasha river, disrupting roads and connectivity in several areas.In Sikraul, floodwater has spread over a connecting road, making the stretch difficult and risky for commuters. Villagers said the road was still being used for essential travel as there was no immediate alternative.“We are worried that the road may become completely inaccessible if the water rises further. People have to use it for their daily needs, but travelling through the water has become risky,” said Ram Prasad, a resident of Sikraul.The road connecting Baliya through the Janeshwar Mishra Bridge at Gangauli village in Simari block has also been completely submerged, said Tej Narayan Pandey, a resident of Gangauli. He said Byasi, Pakadi Dera, Srikant Rai Ka Dera, Paranpur and Shivpur were among the worst-affected villages.“The rising trend of the Ganga is a reminder of the flood situation witnessed in 1982,” Pandey said.Concern is also mounting in Banarpur village, where water from the overflowing Karmnasha has started moving towards residential areas and agricultural fields. Floodwater has reached the doorsteps of several houses.“Water is already reaching close to our houses and fields. If the river rises further, there is a real fear that it will enter homes and damage our crops,” said a villager from Banarpur.The district administration has stepped up preparedness. Buxar DM on Tuesday directed BDOs, circle officers and engineers of the water resources department to remain on high alert.Teams of the flood control division and water resources department have been asked to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and patrolling of vulnerable embankments, spurs and zamindari embankments. Special monitoring is under way in low-lying and Diara areas of Buxar, Chausa, Simari, Chakki and Brahmapur blocks.SDRF personnel and local divers have been put on alert, while govt and private boats are being kept ready for rescue operations. Dumraon SDM Rajiv said the administration was continuously monitoring Diara areas and other sensitive locations.The Ganga’s highest flood level at Buxar was recorded at 62.09 metres in 1948. With the river continuing to rise, authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance across vulnerable parts of the district.
