Flood threat to Bihar averted: Sushma Swaraj

Tourists flock to Kosi barrage in Rajbiraj, Nepal after the flood threat subsided on Tuesday. Photo: Ranjeet Kumar

The flood threat to Bihar was averted after Nepal drained out water from an artificial reservoir created on the Bhote Kosi river, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

“For the first time in several years, the Kosi in Bihar has not been flooded,” the Minister said in reply to a query from Sharad Yadav (Janata Dal-United) on whether the matter was raised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the neighbouring country.

Ms. Swaraj said Nepal undertook controlled explosions to remove the landslide debris. “The Prime Minister’s presence helped in carrying out the action. Bihar is now safe.”