Kosi River Reveals Plastic Waste as Floodwaters Recede

As Kosi River floodwaters recede, piles of plastic waste and debris at the Kosi Barrage have emerged. Plastic bottles, bags, and other waste now line the riverbanks, reflecting the growing pollution issue in Bihar’s flood-prone regions. The massive floods, triggered by heavy rains and breaches in embankments, have displaced thousands and exposed environmental degradation.

The Kosi River breached its embankment near Kartarpur block, causing severe flooding in Kirtarpur and Ghanshyampur villages in Darbhanga district. While the floodwaters are receding, the plastic pollution left behind highlights the environmental challenges often overlooked during disasters.

Plastic Pollution in Kosi

After the water receded, piles of plastic bottles and other waste accumulated on the Kosi Barrage. pic.twitter.com/oiUrDoIiVn

— Aditya Jha | আদিত্য ঝা (@khurlucchi) September 29, 2024

The flood has affected over 1.6 million people across nearly a dozen districts in north Bihar. Authorities released water from the Kosi Barrage on September 28, worsening the situation. Authorities recorded the highest water discharge in the Kosi River since 1968, releasing over 6 lakh cusecs, raising fears of worsening floods. On Saturday night, water accumulated on the Kosi Barrage roads, sparking panic among locals. Videos of the overflowing river went viral, with many fearing further deterioration.

However, the receding water on Sunday brought temporary relief. Challenges remain as the erosion risk has increased and garbage is left behind. The silt and debris carried by the river pose a long-term issue for the region’s infrastructure and environment. Experts highlight the Kosi River’s unique character, noting its fast flow through the Nepal plains brings large amounts of silt, which reduces the Kosi Barrage capacity and diminishes the surrounding land’s fertility, making it less suitable for agriculture.

Plastic pollution is a major concern, with large quantities of waste entering the river during floods. Environmentalists and local activists have called for urgent measures to address pollution and improve waste management. The accumulation of plastic at the barrage raises questions about the environmental toll of flooding in a state where 73% of the land is prone to such disasters.

The floods have disrupted normal life, submerging homes, roads, and facilities. "Our homes are flooded; I haven't seen this since 1961," said Supaul resident Joginder Mehta. "No one has come to meet us yet," he added, echoing the frustration of the flood-affected communities. Another local area mentioned how the force of the floodwaters had destroyed their homes and agriculture-broken houses.

Experts have warned about the need for sustainable flood management in Bihar, where 73% is flood-prone. The state's location, intense monsoons, and poor waste management have led to increasing flood intensity and frequency. The recurrence of such floods has prompted the government to allocate ₹11,500 crore in the 2024-25 budget for flood management and infrastructure improvements.

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