Saptakoshi River flow exceeds 163,000 cusecs, 21 barrage gates opened

The flow of water in the Saptakoshi River continues to increase with the onset of the monsoon.

On Wednesday evening, the water flow at the Koshi Barrage reached 163,230 cusecs, according to Sunsari’s Deputy Superintendent of Police, Chandra Bahadur Khadka. As rainfall persists in eastern Nepal, it is anticipated that the river’s flow may rise further.

Out of the 56 gates at the Koshi Barrage, 21 have been opened. The barrage consists of 52 main gates and four canal gates, totaling 56.

The Koshi Barrage control room has indicated that when the water flow exceeds 150,000 cusecs, a red light is illuminated and a red flag is hoisted as a warning signal.

The Saptakoshi, which appears calm during the dry season, becomes turbulent with the start of the monsoon, drawing attention from various regions in Nepal and India. During the months of Ashadh, Shrawan, and Bhadra, rainfall in the eastern hills and Terai region causes water levels in various rivers to rise. The flow in the Saptakoshi also increases, heightening the risk of flooding and erosion in surrounding areas.

The Saptakoshi is fed by the Tamor, Arun, Sunkoshi, Dudhkoshi, Tamakoshi, Bhotekoshi, and Indrawati rivers. While it fills with water during the monsoon, the Saptakoshi appears sandy in many places during the dry season.