Patna’s JP Ganga Path Submerged: Hundreds of Families Displaced Amid Rising Ganga River Water

Patna, Bihar – The JP Ganga Path, considered the lifeline of Patna, is now facing one of its worst flood situations due to the rising water level of the Ganga River. Adjacent to the river, the Bintoli area has been particularly hard-hit, with water entering homes and creating flood-like conditions for the entire locality.

Massive Displacement and Loss

Every year, residents of Bintoli struggle with flooding, but this year the situation has become severe. Over 300 families, amounting to nearly 2,000 people, live in this region, but local residents claim the actual figure is much higher – approximately 600 families and over 3,500 people. The rapid rise in the Ganga’s water level has forced entire families to relocate to embankments. Makeshift tents line the area, and residents describe their lives as being reduced to “living like insects.”

Raj Kishore Sahni, a local resident, explains: “Each year we face floods. This time we were compelled to leave our homes and move to the embankment with our families. The administration came and provided some limited relief, but what we really need is a permanent solution – a protective embankment to save us from yearly floods. We’re tired of temporary aid; we need safety from floods forever.”

Appeal for Permanent Solutions

Residents expressed their frustration, alleging that while governments use flood relief funds in their name, the real requirement – a strong embankment to keep the Ganga’s water out – is never fulfilled. Many accuse politicians of only seeking votes from the largely uneducated community but not delivering meaningful change.

Women described desperate scenes: “All our belongings are destroyed every year. The water level is so high, our grain is soaked and our houses are flooded. Day and night we’re camped out on the roadside under tents.”

Temporary Relief, Long-Term Fear

With water entering nearly 300-400 homes, families have been forced to set up small camps along Patna’s Marine Drive, also known as JP Ganga Path. Local administration, including the District Magistrate (DM) Tyagarajan, has been inspecting the site and promised immediate arrangements for food, toilets, and boats by the evening.

“About 500–600 families are likely affected. As always, government priority is to provide all possible relief and amenities to disaster victims,” stated DM Tyagarajan. “Temporary shelters are being set up, along with food and water arrangements. Basic needs will be addressed before planning the reopening of schools and other services.”

Ongoing Struggle and Government Response

Despite development work, including the use of tractors and JCBs in the area, the speed at which the Ganga has risen has outpaced preparations. The affected families continue to demand proper facilities, including food, shelter, and medical care. Many children are reportedly falling ill, and access to hospitals has become difficult due to submerged roads.

District Administration on High Alert

With water levels continuing to rise, the district administration is on high alert, working on-ground to ensure help reaches the affected. But the residents’ main demand remains unchanged: the construction of a permanent embankment to put an end to the yearly flood crisis.

As families remain in temporary camps along the lifeline of Patna, their hope now lies with the administration’s promises – and with the possibility of long-term flood protection to secure their futures.