Rising Ganga Water Levels; Bihar Schools Closed Till September 21

Due to the rising water levels in the Ganga River, Bihar's government has decided to close 76 schools across the state. This decision, announced by District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh, aims to ensure the safety of students and staff. The closures, which will be in effect until Saturday, September 21, 2024, affect schools in several blocks including Athamalgola, Badha, Bakhtiyarpur, Mokama, Sadar, Danapur, Fatuha, and Maner.

The affected schools span various regions: Ramnagar Diyara in Athamalgola; Ibrahimpur in Badha; Chiraiya Roops, Hardaspur Diyara, Kala Diyara, and Roops Mahaji in Bakhtiyarpur; Akilpur, Ganghara, Hetanpur, Madhavpur, Qasimchak, Mans, Panapur, Patalpur, and Haivaspur in Danapur; Momindpur in Fatuha; Gagahara and Patalpur in Maner; Shivnar in Mokama; and Nakta Tola Diyara in Patna Sadar.

The Bihar Education Department issued a notice, citing the rising water levels as a threat to life and safety, prompting the temporary closure of these schools.

The region has been experiencing increased water levels due to persistent rainfall, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. The Central Water Commission has issued forecasts indicating that water levels may continue to rise. In response, the Water Resources Department is intensifying vigilance along embankments, with engineers and officials patrolling vulnerable areas during the night.

The aim of these closures is to protect students and staff from potential hazards associated with flooding. The government remains alert and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety.

In addition to Patna, the Prayagraj District Administration has also declared a school holiday for September 18, 2024, due to severe waterlogging. This closure affects all government and private schools for students in classes 1 to 8. Both English and Hindi medium schools in Prayagraj will be closed as a precautionary measure.

The safety of students remains a top priority, and both Patna and Prayagraj administrations are working to address the challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions. Residents are advised to stay updated through official channels for any further announcements regarding school operations.