Biratnagar, July 14
Authorities in Nepal and India have opened all 56 floodgates of Koshi Barrage over Saptakoshi River between Sunsari and Saptari districts of eastern Nepal after water level in the river increased due to incessant rainfall in the upstream areas.
Though the water level is still under the capacity of the barrage, the gates were opened so as to avoid possible disaster, according to authorities.
If the water level crosses the danger mark, the rainwater might inundate various places of Nepal and India.
The barrage capacity is 900,000 cubic foot per second (cusec). The current flow has been measured at 290,000 cusec. However, meteorologists and hydrologists have warned that the water level could rise and it has to be monitored for a next few days.
Earlier, it was reported that Indian authorities put pressure on Nepal to ensure that the gates were closed as opening up would leave many places of Bihar flooded.
Sunsari Chief District Officer, Chiranjivi Giri, however, says he was not known about the pressure and his office was working in coordination with concern authorities across the border.
“If it causes any loss, it will affect all the places,” he says, “It is natural. Hopefully, everyone has understood it.”
