A flood threat is looming over four panchayats in the Bakhtiyarpur Diara region of Patna district due to a rising water level in the Ganga river. Residents of Kaladiara, Rupas Mahaji, Chiraiya Rupas, and Hardaspur Diara are worried about potential flooding. On Thursday, the Ganga's water level was recorded at approximately two feet below ground level. Villagers fear that if the water level rises by another two feet, these four panchayats will be submerged.

Decades after independence, these panchayats still lack a permanent bridge to connect them to the mainland. Villagers rely on boats for transportation, raising safety concerns. One resident mentioned that while it takes about an hour and a half to reach Gayaspur Ghat from Nawada, crossing the Ganga to reach home, just two kilometers from Gayaspur, also takes over an hour and a half. The risk to life increases if strong winds suddenly blow while crossing the river by boat.

There has been a long-standing demand for a permanent bridge in the Diara region. Villager Purushottam Kumar and social worker Ranjan Kumar have called for the development of the Diara area, the construction of a permanent bridge, and pre-emptive disaster relief and rescue preparations. Boatmen also face issues such as low fares or passengers boarding without paying.

Bakhtiyarpur Circle Officer Pawan Kumar Shah stated that the administration is preparing for the situation as water levels rise. He advised people to travel safely by boat and for families in low-lying areas to move to safer locations in advance. The administration is preparing temporary shelters (rain basera) and will arrange for the safe accommodation and free food for people if needed.