Patna: Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday instructed officials to remain on high alert amid a flash-flood situation in the upper catchment areas of neighbouring Nepal and the possibility of a sudden rise in the Gandak river’s water flow.Choudhary issued the directions while chairing a high-level review meeting at the ‘Sankalp’ auditorium in Lok Sevak Awas. He asked officials to maintain special vigilance in the Bihar districts linked to the Gandak and to ensure that both administrative and technical teams remain fully active round the clock.The CM said public safety would be the govt’s top priority in any adverse situation. He made it clear that there should be no negligence in relief, rescue or preparedness measures, and that officials must keep a continuous watch on developments in Nepal as well as on water inflow into the Gandak.He directed the administration to keep potentially affected areas in Bihar under constant observation, with particular focus on the sensitive districts of West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali.Choudhary also ordered continuous monitoring of all embankments and dams, saying their safety must receive top priority. He instructed departments to ensure the strength of embankments and take immediate action wherever weak points are identified. Special night patrolling along dams and embankments was also directed to prevent any breach or delayed response.The CM further said that in sensitive and affected areas, the local administration must keep residents informed about the situation and possible dangers through loudspeakers and public-address systems. Timely warnings, he said, would help move people to safer locations when needed.He also directed that NDRF and SDRF teams be deployed to handle any emergency. District administrations were asked to coordinate closely with these teams and ensure swift relief and rescue operations wherever required without any delay.
