Patna: Water levels in the Ganga at several ghats in Patna district rose on Tuesday as multiple weather systems triggered widespread rain across the state. The river was rising at Maner, Digha Ghat and Hathidah, while its level at Gandhi Ghat remained steady. The Punpun at Sripalpur was also rising, while the Sone at Koelwar was falling.Patna received 19.4mm of rain between Monday and Tuesday morning. IMD, Patna forecast more rain, with conditions influenced by a depression over Jharkhand and adjoining areas, the monsoon trough passing through Dehri in Bihar and an upper-air cyclonic circulation over eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring areas.“The combined impact of these three systems is being felt across 50-75% of Bihar. Rainfall has been fairly widespread, and the impact is likely to sustain,” said IMD meteorologist Kumar Gaurav.Gaurav said northeastern Bihar had received good rainfall, which could affect river levels downstream. “The rivers are interconnected. Even if good rainfall is received in adjoining states, it can contribute to a rise in river levels in Bihar,” he said.Engineer-in-chief, flood, Varun Kumar said intensive night patrolling was being carried out where water levels were rising. Sand-filled bags and other flood-control materials had been kept near river banks.“There is no reason or situation to panic as there is still cushioning left and the water levels have not reached the warning mark,” Varun said, adding that rainfall upstream of Buxar would be closely monitored.The central flood control room at Sichai Bhawan is being monitored round-the-clock. The flood forecasting system at Anisabad provides predictions up to 48 hours in advance.Despite the recent spell, Patna has recorded a 49% rainfall deficit and Bihar a 40% deficit so far this season.
