Barhara (Bhojpur): Bhojpuri singer and artist Rakesh Mishra performed puja at the Maa Sati Kuwari Temple in Maujampur village, Barhara block, on Saturday, praying for the prosperity of the region. Following the rituals, he addressed the media, discussing the temple's reconstruction and development, alongside the perennial issues of flooding and Ganga river erosion in Barhara.

Mishra highlighted that the residents of Barhara face annual hardships due to floods and erosion. He emphasized the need for concrete steps towards a permanent solution rather than temporary relief measures. He called for the government and concerned departments to seriously initiate efforts for the reconstruction and development of Maa Sati Kuwari Temple, which serves as a major center of faith for local residents. He also stressed the importance of developing essential infrastructure facilities for devotees within the temple premises.

Expressing concern over the annual flooding, Mishra noted that rising water levels disrupt transportation in several villages, making it challenging to deliver essential supplies like food, medicine, and drinking water. Families affected by Ganga erosion constantly worry about the safety of their land and homes. He stated that while post-flood relief work and repair of damaged roads are necessary, they do not provide a permanent solution. He advocated for technical surveys of flood and erosion-affected areas to develop long-term plans.

Mishra urged the Bihar government to conduct technical surveys of sensitive areas in Barhara, including Maujampur, construct strong embankments and anti-erosion structures, and prepare a permanent flood control project with adequate budget. He also stressed strengthening roads, bridges, drainage systems, and disaster management. He called for robust pre-flood preparations to ensure the availability of necessary resources in affected areas and a time-bound action plan for temple reconstruction and flood-erosion solutions, so residents are not left relying solely on assurances each year. Several local figures, including Pawan Singh, Chhotu Singh, Nagesh Samrat, Ajay Singh, Krishna Singh, and Pawan Raja, were present.