Residents of the low-lying areas in Bithan block of Samastipur district and Kusheshwarasthan block of Darbhanga district can now breathe a sigh of relief as the switch gate on the Kamala River near Salha village has been opened. This move is expected to accelerate the drainage of accumulated floodwaters that have inundated numerous villages in both blocks for several days, severely disrupting daily life.

Following a rise in the Kamala River's water level, several villages in Bithan block's Belasandi, Narpa, Salha Buzurg, and Salha Chandan panchayats were severely affected. Low-lying areas in villages such as Narpa, Chirotna Nad, Kapasia, Salha Chandan, Salha Buzurg, Lakshminiya, Korahi, Banbhauri, Bhuidhar, Tetarhi, Parkoliya, Boharwa, and Larjha were submerged. In many places, water reached homes, fields, and roads, causing significant difficulties in transportation, fodder collection for livestock, and daily chores. There is also a strong apprehension of crop damage due to waterlogging in agricultural fields.

Similarly, low-lying areas in Kusheshwarasthan block of Darbhanga, including Sugrain and Lakshminiya, also experienced the impact of the Kamala River's elevated water level. Villagers reported that due to the low elevation of these areas, water drainage takes a considerable amount of time once it accumulates.

The opening of the switch gate followed initiatives by local public representatives, including MLA Rajkumar Rai and Bithan Block Chief Lalita Devi. Villagers have expressed their gratitude to these representatives for their efforts. However, residents have urged the administration to continuously monitor the water drainage through the switch gate and ensure the availability of transportation, animal fodder, health facilities, and essential supplies in the affected villages. They believe that true relief will only come when all the water accumulated in homes and fields has completely receded.