Bihar, a state located in the eastern part of India, has been grappling with severe floods during the monsoon season for many years. The annual deluge has impacted millions of people, displacing families, destroying crops, and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. In 2024, the state once again faced devastating floods, with the situation reaching a critical point in many districts. The government’s response to the crisis came under intense scrutiny, and Misa Bharti, Member of Parliament (MP) from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), commented on the government’s efforts during this challenging time. According to Bharti, significant government action was witnessed only after water levels began to recede, raising questions about the preparedness and efficiency of the authorities in dealing with natural calamities.
The Flood Situation in Bihar
The Annual Monsoon Havoc
Bihar has long been a victim of severe floods, primarily due to the region’s topography and the monsoon rains. The state’s proximity to rivers like the Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati makes it prone to frequent flooding. Each year, the arrival of the monsoon brings with it the fear of inundation for the residents of Bihar. The floods in 2024 were no exception. Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Nepal, combined with intense local rainfall, led to the overflowing of rivers. The northern districts of Bihar, such as Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, and Supaul, were among the worst affected by the flooding.
In these areas, the rising water levels submerged entire villages, displaced thousands of people, and destroyed agricultural fields, which are the primary source of livelihood for many residents. The floods also caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach affected areas.
A Delayed Response
As the floodwaters rose, several political leaders and residents criticized the Bihar government for its delayed response to the crisis. In particular, Misa Bharti, a prominent leader from the RJD, pointed out that the government seemed slow to react, with meaningful action taken only after the water levels began to recede. Bharti’s remarks underscored the challenges faced by the government in managing disasters of this magnitude.
In a press statement, Bharti expressed concern over the administration’s lack of preparedness, stating, “It is disheartening to see the government’s inaction when people were in dire need of immediate help. The authorities must be proactive rather than reactive in such situations.” According to Bharti, the government’s initial efforts focused primarily on evacuation and rescue missions, but they fell short in terms of providing immediate relief and rehabilitation to those affected.
The Government’s Response to the Floods
Relief and Rescue Efforts
In the wake of the floods, the state government launched large-scale rescue operations, deploying the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Indian Army personnel to assist in the evacuation of people stranded in affected areas. Several relief camps were set up to house those displaced by the floods, offering temporary shelter, food, and medical assistance.
Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster overwhelmed local authorities. Thousands of people remained trapped in remote villages, cut off from basic necessities. Rescue operations were hampered by the lack of accessibility to certain regions due to damaged roads and submerged bridges. As the floodwaters receded, the government shifted its focus to providing relief materials such as food, drinking water, medicines, and sanitation facilities to flood victims.
However, critics like Misa Bharti argued that the government’s response was too slow and lacked the coordination necessary to handle a disaster of this scale. Bharti, along with other opposition leaders, visited several flood-affected areas to assess the situation firsthand. During her visits, Bharti emphasized the need for the government to improve its disaster management protocols, stating that much of the damage and suffering could have been mitigated with timely intervention.
The Role of Local Governments and Civil Society
While the state government took the lead in coordinating rescue and relief efforts, local governments and civil society organizations played a crucial role in providing immediate assistance to flood victims. Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and volunteer groups stepped in to distribute food, water, and essential supplies to those in need. Local panchayats also mobilized resources to support affected communities, although their efforts were often constrained by limited funding and logistical challenges.
Misa Bharti praised the efforts of civil society organizations, noting that they often acted faster and more efficiently than the government in responding to the needs of the people. She called on the government to collaborate more closely with these organizations in future disaster management efforts, stating, “It is clear that civil society can play a vital role in times of crisis. The government must harness this potential and work in partnership with NGOs and local communities to ensure a quicker and more effective response.”
The Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods
Damage to Crops and Livestock
One of the most devastating consequences of the floods in Bihar has been the impact on agriculture, which forms the backbone of the state’s economy. The floods inundated thousands of acres of farmland, destroying standing crops such as paddy, maize, and sugarcane. In addition to crop losses, livestock casualties were also reported, further compounding the financial strain on rural households.
For farmers who depend on their crops and livestock for income, the floods have been catastrophic. Many have lost an entire season’s worth of crops, which will have a ripple effect on their livelihoods in the coming months. The Bihar government has announced compensation packages for farmers affected by the floods, but the process of assessing damages and disbursing funds has been slow, leading to frustration among the farming community.
Misa Bharti highlighted the plight of farmers during her visits to flood-affected areas, urging the government to expedite the compensation process and provide additional support to help farmers recover. She also stressed the need for long-term measures to protect Bihar’s agricultural sector from the recurring threat of floods, including the construction of more robust flood control infrastructure and better irrigation systems.
Long-Term Challenges and Solutions
Infrastructure and Flood Management
One of the key issues raised by Misa Bharti and other political leaders in the aftermath of the floods is the need for improved infrastructure to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future. Bihar’s flood management infrastructure, including embankments, drainage systems, and flood control mechanisms, has been inadequate in preventing the annual inundation of large parts of the state. Many embankments are old and poorly maintained, leading to breaches during heavy rainfall.
In her statements, Bharti called on the state and central governments to invest more heavily in upgrading Bihar’s flood management infrastructure. She advocated for the construction of new embankments, the repair and maintenance of existing ones, and the development of better drainage systems to prevent waterlogging in urban and rural areas. “We cannot continue to allow this cycle of destruction and rebuilding to persist year after year,” Bharti said. “The government must take concrete steps to improve our flood management capabilities and protect the lives and livelihoods of the people.”
Climate Change and the Need for Preparedness
The recurring floods in Bihar are not just a result of poor infrastructure but also a reflection of broader environmental changes. Climate change has led to more erratic weather patterns, with heavier rainfall during the monsoon season and longer dry spells during other parts of the year. These changes have made it increasingly difficult to predict and manage flood risks in the state.
Misa Bharti emphasized the need for the government to incorporate climate change considerations into its disaster management planning. She called for the creation of a comprehensive flood preparedness strategy that includes early warning systems, better coordination between state and central agencies, and more robust community-based disaster preparedness programs. “We cannot ignore the reality of climate change,” Bharti stated. “The government must take a proactive approach to disaster management, one that takes into account the changing nature of our environment and the increasing risks it poses.”
