Home / Environment / Ganga Rises Above Danger Mark in Patna Amid Rainfall Deficit
Ganga Rises Above Danger Mark in Patna Amid Rainfall Deficit
22 Aug
Summary
- Ganga river exceeds danger mark despite Bihar's rainfall deficit.
- Upstream rainfall in Nepal and Himalayas causes river rise.
- Sediment deposition contributes to shallower river channels.
The Ganga River is currently exceeding its danger mark at multiple points in Patna, even as Bihar and the city itself face a rainfall deficit. This unusual rise is primarily due to heavy precipitation in upstream catchments, particularly in Nepal and the broader Himalayan region.
Experts explain that rivers like the Gandak, Kosi, and Mahananda, which feed into the Ganga, have their origins in Nepal and the Himalayas. Rainfall in these areas directly impacts downstream water levels in Bihar. The Sone River, another major tributary, originates in Madhya Pradesh, affecting flows from multiple states before entering Bihar.
Patna's geographical position is significant, with several major rivers converging with the Ganga in a concentrated stretch. This confluence increases water and sediment inflow into the river system. Over time, sediment deposition can lead to shallower riverbeds, diminishing the Ganga's capacity to manage floodwaters and causing them to spread over wider areas.