Recent Event
- Heavy rainfall in Nepal's catchment areas caused the Gandak River to swell and breach embankments in parts of Bihar, particularly West Champaran.
- Heavy inflows from Nepal can lead to very high downstream discharge at the Valmikinagar Barrage during intense monsoon rainfall.
About the Gandak River
- Known as Narayani in Nepal; an important transboundary Himalayan river and a tributary of the Ganga.
Origin and Course
- Originates near the Tibet–Nepal border.
- Flows through Nepal's Mustang region.
- Crosses the Indo-Nepal border near Triveni Dham.
- Enters Bihar near Valmikinagar.
Course in India
- From Valmikinagar, flows through plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Passes through West Champaran and other north Bihar districts.
- Joins the Ganga near Hajipur–Sonepur (Harihar Kshetra) in Bihar.
Major Tributaries
- Kali Gandaki, Trishuli, Budhi Gandaki, Marsyangdi, Seti, Madi, Daraudi.
Valmikinagar Barrage
- Located near the Indo-Nepal border.
- Important structure for irrigation and regulation of Gandak waters (Gandak Project).
Ecological Importance
- Supports species such as the gharial, Gangetic dolphin and turtles.
- Sustains agriculture, settlements and cultural landscapes along its course.
Significance for Disaster Management
- North Bihar is chronically flood-prone due to Himalayan rivers carrying high sediment loads and heavy monsoon flows from Nepal.
- Embankment breaches highlight challenges of flood management, transboundary river cooperation (India–Nepal) and need for early warning systems.
- Relevant constitutional/legal context: India–Nepal treaties on shared rivers (e.g., Gandak Agreement, 1959; Kosi Agreement) govern water sharing and barrage operations.