Bhagalpur: Rapid soil erosion triggered by the rising water level and strong current of the Ganga river caused a breach of around 110-125 metres in Raghopur Kazi Koraiya main embankment near Raghopur diara under Kharik block in Naugachia subdivision late on Sunday night, officials said.The erosion also reportedly swept away the water resources department’s (WRD) temporary camp office near the site.The breach occurred around 500 metres from the ancestral residence of energy minister Shailesh Kumar aka Bulo Mandal. While Mandal represents Gopalpur assembly constituency, the breach site falls under Bihpur assembly constituency, represented by road construction minister Kumar Shailendra.The breach was detected in the early hours of Monday, prompting the district administration to launch emergency measures to prevent further erosion and stop floodwaters from entering nearby villages.According to local sources, erosion began around 9pm on Sunday and intensified through the night, eventually leading to the collapse of a major section of the embankment.Senior district officials, including ADM (disaster management) Kundan Kumar, Naugachia SDO and SDPO, block and circle officers, along with engineers of the WRD, are camping at the site to supervise restoration work.ADM (disaster management) said efforts to plug the breach were underway on a war footing.“Hundreds of boats and tractors are being used to transport sand-filled bags, while bamboo rafts have also been deployed to reinforce the damaged stretch and prevent further erosion. The situation is under control and there is no need to panic,” he said.Kharik circle officer Praveen Kumar said the administration was aiming to plug the breach completely by Tuesday.Executive engineer of the Flood Control Division Gautam Kumar said restoration of the damaged embankment was being carried out on a war footing.
Repair work underway in Naugachai
