Gandak Swells: Wildlife Flees Flooded Tiger Reserve

Flood fears have intensified across the Gandak basin following a significant rise in discharge from the Valmikinagar barrage. The increased water flow has inundated several low-lying areas of West Champaran and has begun entering the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), raising concerns for wildlife. Discharge levels rose from 4.16 lakh cusecs to 4.49 lakh cusecs by Sunday afternoon, with further increases expected due to heavy rainfall in Nepal.

Low-lying areas of Bagaha town and surrounding villages have been submerged, with floodwaters now flowing over the Bagaha-Valmikinagar main road. The VTR faces a threat to its herbivores, including chital, sambar, barking deer, and hog deer, as well as wild boar. Carnivores like tigers, leopards, and bears, along with smaller mammals and reptiles, may also be affected.

The forest department is monitoring the situation, with rangers noting that animals typically move to higher ground within the reserve. If animals do move towards residential areas, the department's patrolling teams are prepared to guide them back. The district administration has initiated relief and rescue measures, including community kitchens and medical teams, and has stationed NDRF and SDRF teams with boats.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary stated that engineers are on high alert to monitor embankments. He also noted that the Ganga river, being below danger level, can absorb the additional water from the Gandak. Meanwhile, repair work is underway on a cut in the Tirhut canal near Muzaffarpur, and the flood threat from the Kosi river has eased.