Rising Water Levels Spark Fear Among Locals in Nepal
All 56 Gates of Saptakoshi Barrage Opened as Water Levels Rise
As the water level in the Saptakoshi River continues to surge, anxiety and fear have gripped the residents living near this mighty river. The increasing water flow has raised concerns about potential flooding and the subsequent threat to human settlements around the Koshi corridor.
Impact on Local Communities
Kishna Prasad Nepal, an 82-year-old resident, shared his apprehensions, noting that the excessive water flow in the first week of July has left locals restless and anxious. Usually, even minor floods prompt concern among the community, but the current situation has intensified their fears, disrupting their daily lives.
Annual Monsoon Worries
Each year, with the onset of the monsoon season, the residents near the Koshi corridor brace themselves for possible flooding. The increased water flow during these months triggers a sense of impending danger among those living in the Sunsari, Udayapur, and Saptari districts. The rising river levels, combined with the silt, clay, and debris carried by the floodwaters, elevate the riverbed, exacerbating the locals' worries.
Opening of the Saptakoshi Barrage Gates
On Sunday morning, authorities made a significant decision to open all 56 gates of the Saptakoshi Barrage. This move came after the water flow reached extreme levels the previous night. The control room of the Koshi Barrage confirmed that the decision was taken due to the critical water levels.
Challenges in Managing Water Flow
Although the Koshi Barrage has the capacity to hold 900,000 cusecs, the water reached its banks at a flow rate of 370,150 cusecs per second by 10:00 am on Sunday. This alarming situation necessitated the opening of all gates. Pramod Paudel, the contact and land acquisition officer of the Koshi Project in Biratnagar, explained that the rising riverbed, due to accumulated silt, brought the water dangerously close to the embankment's edge, compelling them to open the barrage gates.
Geographical Spread of the Saptakoshi River
The Saptakoshi River flows through a gorge up to Chatara and then spreads out into the plains. As the water level rises, the silt and debris carried by the floods create numerous sandbanks, further spreading into the flatlands from Chatara. This geographical spread complicates the management of floodwaters, posing significant challenges to local communities and authorities alike.
Conclusion
The opening of all 56 gates of the Saptakoshi Barrage underscores the severity of the current situation. As water levels continue to rise, local residents remain on high alert, facing the dual threats of flooding and rising riverbeds. The ongoing monsoon season promises to test the resilience and preparedness of those living near the Saptakoshi River. Authorities must remain vigilant and proactive in managing this delicate situation to prevent potential disasters.