Bihar faces the looming threat of ‘hydro-meteorological disasters’; 14 districts at highest risk

Early Chilly Weather Grips Bihar, Met Department Predicts Further Drop in Temperature

Bihar, India – As the winter season sets in, people in Bihar are already experiencing early chilly weather. The meteorological department has forecasted a further drop in temperatures, with the minimum expected to range between 1 to 3 degrees in the next 24 hours.

Climate experts believe that the shift in climate patterns is a result of various contributing factors. According to a statement from an expert, the lack of green cover in rural areas, combined with the state’s susceptibility to natural disasters such as annual floods in North Bihar and recurring drought-like conditions in the south, has significantly impacted the climate in Bihar.

A study conducted by the Journal of Natural Science Research revealed that 21% of the entire region falls under seismic zone 5, signifying high susceptibility to seismic activities. Additionally, Bihar has 14 districts with high vulnerability due to factors such as flood-prone areas and inadequate forest cover. The northern part of Bihar, characterized by low-lying plains, faces significant challenges due to water accumulation from rivers originating in the Himalayas.

The accumulation of silt from these rivers poses a major challenge for the state government, leading to disruptions in natural drainage systems. The lack of a well-planned drainage system exacerbates the problem, resulting in annual flooding in around 21 districts during the monsoon season.

Environmentalists and research experts have voiced concern over the government’s inadequate response to these challenges. Despite temporary measures being taken, the state government has been criticized for failing to implement permanent solutions to address issues such as siltation and poor drainage systems. The need for a comprehensive action plan to combat climate change and mitigate the impact of natural disasters has become increasingly evident.

In response to mounting pressure and concerns, the Nitish Kumar government initiated the Jan Jeevan Hariyali program on October 2, 2019, allocating considerable funds to promote ecological balance and water conservation. Despite these measures, experts highlight the need for effective implementation in regions like Gaya, Nawada, and Aurangabad, which are particularly susceptible to water scarcity.

While the Bihar government has taken strides towards addressing climate change with the Bihar State Action Plan of Climate Change in 2015, the effective implementation of these measures remains a point of contention. Collaborations with international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme have been proposed to build climate resilience and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

As the weather patterns in Bihar continue to evolve, the pressure on the state government to take decisive action to address climate change and natural disaster mitigation remains a pressing concern.

Source: IANS