Severe Erosion Hits Bhagalpur’s Raghopur Area

Severe riverbank erosion along the Ganga has created a major crisis in the Raghopur area of Kharik block under Naugachhia sub-division in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district. The erosion began near Mahadevpur Ghat, close to an abandoned railway line on the river’s left bank.

Officials said the erosion affected an area of around 150 metres, damaging nearly 50 metres of embankment. Around 40 to 50 houses were affected, with four pucca houses completely destroyed and about 10 others developing cracks.

Two-Storey House Collapses Into Ganga

In Chhoti Alalpur village of Naugachhia, a two-storey house collapsed into the Ganga on Sunday as erosion continued. The incident was captured on video and has increased fear among families living close to the riverbank.

Several other houses in Chhoti Alalpur and nearby areas are now dangerously close to the eroding bank. Residents fear that more homes could collapse into the river at any time.

Families Forced to Leave Homes

Residents of Palalpur, Shankarpur and Nankar villages have been moving to safer and higher locations with their families and essential belongings. The administration has used loudspeaker announcements to alert people in vulnerable areas.

Many families have lost homes built with their life savings, while farmers are watching fertile agricultural land being swallowed by the river. Reports said around 65 families in the affected area have been displaced.

Administration’s Flood-Control Response

Bhagalpur District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey inspected the affected area and reviewed rescue and flood-control operations. Officials have been directed to strengthen vulnerable stretches of the embankment and prevent further erosion.

Around 600 workers are working in shifts at the site. The administration has deployed senior and junior engineers, technical personnel, flood-fighting materials and rescue equipment to contain the damage.

River Level and Current Condition

The Ganga’s water level at Bhagalpur was reported below the danger mark and had fallen by around 12 cm in the preceding 24 hours. However, officials said the river current had shifted towards the left bank and remained strong, keeping the risk of further erosion alive.

The district administration said no fresh erosion was reported on Sunday and the situation was under control. Authorities expect conditions to improve over the next 24 hours.

Farmland and Livelihood Loss

Apart from residential damage, the erosion has severely affected farmers. Large patches of cultivable land have been washed away, raising concerns about livelihood loss in riverbank villages.

Locals have demanded permanent anti-erosion measures, adequate compensation for damaged homes and land, and long-term rehabilitation for displaced families.

Key Takeaways

• Ganga erosion has severely affected Raghopur in Bhagalpur’s Naugachhia sub-division.
• Around 40–50 houses were damaged; four pucca houses were completely destroyed.
• A 50-metre stretch of embankment was damaged near Mahadevpur Ghat.
• A two-storey house collapsed into the Ganga in Chhoti Alalpur, Naugachhia.
• Residents have been evacuated from vulnerable villages.
• About 600 workers are engaged in round-the-clock flood-control operations.

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