Ganga Hits Record High, Affects 16.8 Lakh in Bihar
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Riverine flooding and hydrological stress: a GS3 Environment and Disaster Management case study.
Why in news
The Ganga river crossed its highest recorded level at Patna's Gandhi Ghat, impacting over 16.8 lakh people in Bihar and causing significant flooding in Uttar Pradesh.
Background
The floods in Bihar affected 11 districts and impacted 16.8 lakh people. In Uttar Pradesh, 3.53 lakh people were affected and 17,500 individuals were evacuated.
Facts for Prelims
- FactGanga river reached its highest recorded level at Patna's Gandhi Ghat.
- FactFloods between 2000 and 2025 caused $76.95 billion in economic damage in India.
- FactA total of 36,103 people died due to floods in India between 2000 and 2025.
- FactFloods between 2000 and 2025 affected approximately 36.5 crore individuals.
Prelims practice question
What was the total economic damage caused by floods in India between 2000 and 2025?
- (a)$50.2 billion
- (b)$100.5 billion
- (c)$76.95 billion
- (d)$12.4 billion
Show answer
Answer: (c) $76.95 billion — The note states that floods between 2000 and 2025 caused $76.95 billion in economic damage in India.
For Mains
Q. Analyze the factors contributing to the increasing frequency and severity of riverine floods in the Indo-Gangetic plain and suggest mitigation strategies.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Hydrological stress: Rapid urbanization and erratic monsoon patterns increasing peak discharge volumes
- Infrastructure gap: Inadequate drainage systems in urban centers like Delhi and Gurgaon causing severe waterlogging
- Economic vulnerability: High fiscal burden of flood-related damages and loss of agricultural productivity
Keywords: riverine flooding · hydrological stress · disaster mitigation · urban waterlogging · economic damage
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.