All 36 floodgates of Gandak Barrage opened as water level rises, 20 villages of Nawalparasi at high risk

RUPANDEHI: All 36 gates of the Gandaki Barrage have been opened after the water level rose above the danger mark. Tara Singh Thapa, an official of the Land Acquisition and Public Relations Office, said that the gates were opened after the water level in the barrage with a capacity of 500,000 cusecs reached 480,000 cusecs.

He said that it is considered high risk after crossing 400,000 cusecs. He also said that if the water level rises further, the B-Gab dam may burst and the settlement itself may be inundated.

Twenty villages in West Nawalparasi are now at risk due to rising water levels. Meanwhile, the administration has urged the locals to be vigilant as the Gandak Barrage and other rivers have started flooding.

Chief District Officer Dharmendra Mishra said that the security personnel have been kept in readiness for immediate rescue and reduction of damage in the risky areas.