Nepal floods have triggered a major preparedness operation across parts of northern India, with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand stepping up monitoring as officials fear rising river levels following the massive disaster in the neighbouring country.
At least 163 people have died in Nepal, while more than 750 people remain missing, according to the information available so far. The scale of the flooding has raised concerns in Indian districts connected to rivers flowing downstream from Nepal.
The biggest immediate concern is the Gandak-Narayani river system, particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Bihar Opens 36 Gandak Barrage Gates As Water Level Rises
Authorities in West Champaran moved quickly after noticing a sudden rise in the Gandak River. As a precautionary measure, 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage have been opened to manage the increased water flow.
People living close to the riverbanks are also being moved to safer locations as officials monitor the situation.
Nine Bihar districts have been placed on high alert:
- West Champaran
- East Champaran
- Gopalganj
- Muzaffarpur
- Siwan
- Saran
- Sheohar
- Sitamarhi
- Vaishali
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary held an emergency meeting with senior officials to assess the situation and review evacuation and relief preparations.
7 UP Districts On Alert
Uttar Pradesh has also increased surveillance in seven districts that could potentially be affected by rising water levels.
The districts under heightened watch are:
- Maharajganj
- Kushinagar
- Pilibhit
- Shravasti
- Balrampur
- Siddharthnagar
- Gorakhpur
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials in Maharajganj and Kushinagar to keep a particularly close watch on the Gandak and Narayani rivers.
Senior officials have been deployed in vulnerable areas, while local authorities have been asked to remain prepared for possible flooding.
Why Floodwater From Nepal Is A Concern For India
The geography of the region explains why authorities in India are taking the situation seriously.
Several rivers originating in or passing through Nepal eventually enter India. The Trishuli River joins the Kali Gandaki near Devghat, forming the Narayani. Further downstream, the river enters India and is known as the Gandak.
In simple terms, a major increase in water upstream can eventually push river levels higher downstream.
That is why officials in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are keeping a close eye on the Gandak-Narayani system.
Uttarakhand Also Keeps SDRF On High Alert
The concern is not limited to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
In Uttarakhand’s Champawat district, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has increased surveillance along the Sharda River.
The SDRF’s Tanakpur post has been placed on high alert. Teams are patrolling areas including Sharda Ghat and Sharda Barrage while monitoring changes in the river’s water level.
Officials have also warned residents, fishermen and visitors against unnecessarily approaching the riverbanks.
Rescue personnel have been kept ready with emergency equipment so that they can respond quickly if conditions deteriorate.
Helplines Activated For Indians In Nepal
The Uttarakhand government has also activated helplines for people from the state who may be stranded in flood-affected parts of Nepal or looking for information about relatives.
People can contact the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) for assistance.
SEOC Helplines: 0135-2710334, 0135-2710335, 0135-2664314, 0135-2664315, 0135-2664316, 8218867005
Toll-free: 1070
PM Modi, Amit Shah Monitor Situation
The worsening situation has also drawn attention from the Centre.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are monitoring developments. Shah spoke with Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday to discuss preparations for a possible rise in river levels.
Calling the devastation in Nepal “extremely heartbreaking”, Shah said discussions had been held with the two chief ministers regarding the disaster and preparedness in their respective states.
Next 24 Hours Could Be Critical
For authorities in northern India, the focus now is on what happens to river levels over the next several hours.
Bihar has already opened barrage gates and begun precautionary evacuation in vulnerable locations, while Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have intensified monitoring.
Officials are asking residents not to panic, avoid riverbanks and follow instructions from local authorities.
The Nepal disaster is a reminder that extreme flooding in the Himalayan region can quickly become a cross-border concern, particularly when major river systems carry the excess water towards densely populated areas of India.
