Question : Flooding of Gandak River

(a) whether the Government is aware of the yearly flooding by Gandak river in Gopalganj district of Bihar and subsequent loss of resources caused by such flooding, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has taken any step for co-ordination of water management with neighbouring countries in regard to the said river and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Government has any plan of constructing dams or any other river water management projects on this river and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI & SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA)

(a) Water Resource Department, Government of Bihar has reported severe erosion on the embankments of River Gandak in Gopalganj District of Bihar due to heavy rainfall in catchment area of River Gandak in Nepal during the monsoon season of year 2020. Several breaches in embankment along River Gandak occurred in Gopalganj District of Bihar at Bhaisahi Purrena Charki, Saran, Bandhauli Shitalpur Faizullahpur Jamindari Bundh, and Baikunthpur Retired Line.

(b) & (c) Government of India is having regular dialogue with the Government of Nepal through existing India-Nepal bilateral mechanisms for mutual benefit of water resources of the common rivers between the two countries which includes flood control. A Joint Project through an agreement in the year 1959, later amended in 1964 on River Gandak has been implemented for irrigation and power benefits to both countries. Specific India-Nepal water management issues related with Gandak River are discussed in the existing India-Nepal bilateral mechanisms comprising of Joint Committee on Kosi and Gandak Project (JCKGP) and Joint Committee on Inundation and Flood Management (JCIFM). At present Government of India has no plan in discussion with Government of Nepal for construction of new dams or any other new river water management projects on river Gandak.

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