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The horror of floods in Bihar has once again intensified the stir in political and administrative circles. Serious questions are now being raised on the traditional methods of dealing with this disaster that occurs every year. In the era of ongoing statements between the ruling party and the opposition, the biggest question has become whether there will be a period of just finding excuses to avoid this embarrassment that happens every year or will a concrete policy be made? From the presence of silt in the river bed to the functioning of the Farakka Barrage, debate has erupted on every front. Let us know what is the whole truth behind this painful maze of floods and the politics going on over it.
Bihar’s geographical structure and its rivers force the state to face natural disasters every year. The rivers coming from Nepal bring with them huge amounts of water and debris, inundating the northern and central parts of the state. When rivers like Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati and Kamla Balan swell, the lives of millions of people come to a halt. This year too, flood waters have wreaked havoc, after which the government’s preparations and claims seem to be exposed. Relief and rescue operations may look good on paper, but the situation on the ground remains quite dire. Villages have been submerged, crops have been destroyed and people are forced to take shelter on roadsides or high dams.
A major argument of experts and local people behind this flood devastation is regarding the increasing silt in the rivers. This issue has been at the center of discussion in Bihar for a long time. Experts believe that silt is continuously accumulating in the bottom of Ganga and its tributaries, due to which the depth of the rivers has reduced. When the depth is less, even the slightest inflow of water will cause the rivers to break their banks and start flowing out. In the past too, the Bihar government has been strongly raising the issue of silt in the river with the Centre. Experts say that if the work of desilting of rivers is not done on a large scale in time, then this problem of floods will become more severe. However, the process of silt removal itself is technically very complex and expensive, due to which the expected pace is not being achieved in this direction.
The old trend of blaming Farakka Barrage for the horrific floods in Bihar has once again intensified. Voice has often been raised in the political circles of Bihar regarding Farakka Dam located in West Bengal. Critics and many experts believe that due to Farakka Dam, the flow of river Ganga has slowed down, creating a backwater effect of water in the upstream part. Due to this effect, the water level in Patna and its surrounding areas rises faster than expected and the rivers are not able to drain easily. From time to time, leaders of various parties have given their reactions regarding this technical aspect. Although the central and technical agencies have their own contention that the dam is operated as per the established rules, the role of Farakka on this flood front has once again come into the center of debate.
It is not a new thing that war of words starts between politicians and officials after floods. Whenever life goes haywire, the game of blaming each other starts. Some blame the central government, while others point to the failure of the state machinery. But amidst all this, it is only the common man who is suffering, who sees the house built with his hard-earned money drowning in the sea of tears. The public is no longer going to be satisfied with mere assurances and statements. They need permanent solutions that can provide protection from this calamity that comes every year. Be it scientific cleaning of rivers, construction of strong embankments or making a long-term water management policy in collaboration with Nepal, the need for transparent and accountable initiatives is now being felt on every front.