RECURRING ANNUAL FLOOD IN BHAGALPUR DISTRICT OF BIHAR: A CASE STUDY OF AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK, SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT

Bihar is one of the worst-affected flood-prone states of India due to recurring floods along the Ganga River during the monsoon season. Impacts of flood depend on maximum depth and duration of flooding, the extent of inundation in the floodplains, velocity of flow and rate of rise of flood levels. As per one estimate, in the Bhagalpur region flood affects about 85.86% of agricultural land as well as the large scale of livestock and livelihood. It not only affects the infrastructure but also the socio-economic life in the state. Frequent riverine floods caused 60% of economic loss; 84% of people suffered from health issues, and damage to 80% of agriculture and 40% of infrastructure. A detailed study is presented on the issue of a lack of clean drinking water during disasters, evacuation of people, loss of livestock and crops, and research being done to provide medicines, food materials, clean water, toilets, and relief camps. The purpose of this research paper is to present a comprehensive analysis of the situation of frequent and rising flood levels in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar.