Bihar

• 23 Sep 2024

Flood in Bihar

Why in News?  

Recently, Bihar has been severely affected by floods, with 12 districts submerged and over 12 lakh people impacted.

Key Points  

• Flood Situation: 
  • Heavy rainfall in Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand has led to rising water levels in the rivers of North and South Bihar. 
  • The situation has caused widespread flooding in Bihar, particularly along rivers like the Ganga. 
• Affected Areas: 
  • 12 districts are affected, including Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Patna, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, and Katihar. 
  • A total of 12.67 lakh people in low-lying areas have been impacted by rising water levels. 
  • Affected trains include Patna-Dumka Express, Saraigarh Deoghar Special, Jamalpur-Kiul Memu Special, and Bhagalpur-Danapur Intercity Express. 
  • The Bihar Disaster Management Department (DMD) reported that 361 panchayats have been affected. 

Floods

• About: 
  • Floods are the most frequent type of natural disaster and occur when an overflow of water submerges land that is usually dry. 
  • Between 1998-2017, 2 Billion people have been affected worldwide due to floods.  
• Causes:  
  • These are often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt or a storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami in coastal areas. 
• Types of Floods:  
  • Flash Floods: These are caused by rapid and excessive rainfall that raises water heights quickly, and rivers, streams, channels or roads may be overtaken. 
  • River Floods: These are caused when consistent rain or snow melt forces a river to exceed capacity.  
  • Coastal Floods: These are caused by storm surges associated with tropical cyclones and tsunami.

Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Nirman Yojana

Why in News?  

Recently, the Bihar government approved the "Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Nirman Yojana" (MGSNY) to boost rural infrastructure through the construction of small bridges in the state.

Key Points 

• Objective of the Scheme: 
  • The "Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Nirman Yojana" (MGSNY) aims to enhance connectivity in rural Bihar. 
  • The scheme is focused on constructing 1,000 small bridges across various rural areas. 
• Target Areas: 
  • The initiative prioritizes remote and rural regions that face difficulties due to inadequate infrastructure. 
  • It is expected to address the issue of inaccessibility during monsoon seasons, when rivers and streams overflow and disconnect villages. 
• Expected Benefits: 
  • The bridges will significantly improve transportation for rural populations, enabling easier movement of goods and people. 
  • Enhanced infrastructure will contribute to economic development in rural areas by connecting farmers, traders, and service providers to markets. 
  • It will also improve access to education and healthcare, ensuring quicker and more reliable transit for school children and patients in need of urgent medical care. 

Bihar Tourism and Market Policy-2024

Why in News?  

Recently, Bihar has approved the Bihar Tourism and Market Policy-2024 to boost tourism infrastructure and market integration in the state, making it a hub for cultural, ecological, and heritage tourism.

Key Points  

• Objective: 
  • To promote sustainable tourism development in Bihar, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. 
  • To boost local economies and create job opportunities through tourism-related activities. 
• Key Features: 
  • Infrastructural Development: Focus on improving transportation, accommodation, and amenities to support tourists. 
  • Heritage Promotion: Emphasis on showcasing Bihar's rich cultural and historical heritage, including sites like Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and Rajgir. 
  • Public-Private Partnerships: It promotes private investments in tourism infrastructure and services.  
    • It provides financial support and subsidies for tourism-related businesses and startups. 
• Marketing and Promotion: 
  • Launch of aggressive marketing campaigns to highlight Bihar’s unique attractions. 
  • Utilization of digital platforms and social media for broader outreach. 
• Famous Tourist Places in Bihar:  
  • Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya 
  • Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir 
  • Nalanda, Ancient city of Patliputra 
  • Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve in the West Champaran 
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