Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has urged West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to open all the gates of the Farakka Barrage amid rising water levels in the Ganga and worsening flood conditions in parts of Bihar.

Samrat spoke to Suvendu by telephone on Sunday and made the request, according to a post on X.

“Keeping in view the rising water level of the Ganga and the flood situation in Bihar, I spoke to the West Bengal Chief Minister by phone today and requested him to open all the gates of the Farakka Barrage,” Samrat said in the post.

He said opening the barrage gates would help facilitate the flow of the Ganga and could contribute to controlling the flood situation in Bihar.

According to Samrat, Suvendu assured him that prompt action would be taken.

“Bihar’s security and relief are our top priority,” the Bihar chief minister said.

The appeal comes as the Ganga continues to rise, with several low-lying areas of Bihar facing increased flood pressure. Reports from the state indicate that water levels have risen above danger marks at several locations, including parts of Patna and Bhagalpur.

The Farakka Barrage issue has also gained significance ahead of the renewal of the 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which is due to complete its 30-year term in December 2026.

Source: Times of India