News desk: The Bihar government is preparing to seek more than ₹10,000 crore in financial assistance from the Centre to compensate for extensive damage caused by recent floods across the state. The floods have affected millions of people, damaged agricultural land and disrupted essential public infrastructure in several districts.
The first wave of flooding struck Bihar in the first week of September. By early October, more than 50 lakh people across over 2,000 villages in 576 panchayats and 15 districts had been affected. A second wave subsequently hit north-western districts, causing further damage to standing crops, roads, embankments and government buildings.
According to officials involved in the assessment, the state government is in the final stages of calculating the total losses. The process has been delayed as authorities await the receding floodwaters to assess damage to agricultural fields and infrastructure accurately. The final demand is expected to be submitted to the Centre after the assessment is completed.
Crop losses and infrastructure damage
The agriculture department's preliminary assessment has estimated crop losses at around ₹270 crore, affecting approximately 1.7 lakh hectares across more than 100 blocks in 18 districts. Paddy, maize, vegetables and banana crops have been among the worst affected. Officials believe the estimated losses could increase following detailed field inspections.
The floods have also caused substantial damage to public infrastructure. More than 4,000 government schools were submerged, disrupting education for over three lakh students. Several school buildings reportedly suffered serious structural damage, while some collapsed.
Roads and rural connectivity infrastructure have also suffered extensive damage. Officials estimate that restoring rural roads alone could cost more than ₹3,000 crore. Embankments along the Gandak river have sustained damage at multiple locations and may require reconstruction and technical modifications.
Relief measures underway
The state government has transferred ₹579.23 crore in immediate financial assistance to 8,27,472 verified flood-affected families. Each eligible household has received ₹7,000 through direct benefit transfer.
More than 1,200 community kitchens have served over 1.2 crore meals, while relief camps, dry ration packets, polythene sheets and cattle feed have been distributed in affected areas. The overall expenditure on compensation and relief measures is estimated at around ₹2,000 crore.
A central team led by Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited flood-affected areas on September 16, accompanied by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The minister conducted aerial surveys and ground inspections and assured cooperation from the Centre.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav have criticised the governments over the recurring flood crisis and demanded stronger long-term solutions.
The proposed financial assistance is expected to support rehabilitation efforts and the restoration of damaged infrastructure once the assessment process is completed.
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