Patna: With the monsoon season progressing and flood risks persisting in north Bihar, the road construction department (RCD) and disaster management department (DMD) on Thursday reviewed preparedness measures to tackle potential flood and drought situations.RCD secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal directed officials and contractors to ensure protection of roads and bridges under the maintenance policy. Contractors have been asked to keep Bailey bridges ready, arrange temporary restoration measures in case of erosion or breaches, and maintain round-the-clock vigil on vulnerable stretches.Engineer-in-chief Umakant Rajak said teams from the RCD, Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation and IIT-Patna are jointly assessing the condition of bridges across the state.At a separate review meeting, disaster management minister Ratnesh Sada directed officials to ensure timely relief, including food, medicines, shelter and cattle fodder, for families affected by floods or drought-like conditions. He asked district authorities to follow standard operating procedures and remain on alert.Officials said the flood threat from major rivers, including the Kosi and Gandak, has eased for now, with water levels showing a declining trend.
