After the bifurcation of the state, Bihar—particularly North Bihar—has continued to remain one of the most flood-prone regions in India. The total flood-affected area in the state is estimated at 68.80 lakh hectares, accounting for nearly 73.06 percent of Bihar’s total geographical area of 94.16 lakh hectares and about 17.20 percent of India’s total flood-prone area. This highlights the scale and severity of the challenge, especially in North Bihar, where recurrent flooding significantly impacts lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
During the flood period of 2024, the state witnessed multiple instances of unexpected and intense water flow in major rivers such as the Gandak River, Bagmati River, Kosi River, and Ganges, posing serious challenges for flood management and disaster response. In light of the damage caused to embankments and riverbank structures along these rivers, a series of targeted schemes have been proposed focusing on strengthening, paving, and protective works of embankments and associated drainage systems. These interventions aim to enhance structural resilience, improve flood control mechanisms, and mitigate the adverse impacts of floods in vulnerable regions of the state.