Shivraj Singh Chouhan Surveys Flood-Hit Areas Across Vaishali, Munger and Bhagalpur; Central Team to Undertake Detailed Assessment of Crop, Infrastructure and Livestock Losses

Patna, September 16, 2026: Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited flood-affected areas of Bihar on September 16 to assess crop losses, damage to infrastructure and the relief measures being undertaken for affected communities.

Accompanied by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, state ministers, senior officials and a central team, Chouhan conducted ground and aerial assessments across Hajipur, Vaishali, Munger and Bhagalpur. He travelled by motorboat, country boat and tractor to reach inundated villages and agricultural fields and also visited relief camps.

The Centre said a detailed Inter-Ministerial Central Team will subsequently assess the extent of damage, including losses to crops, roads, bridges, houses and livestock.

Key Highlights

• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a field assessment of flood-affected Bihar.
• Areas visited included Hajipur, Vaishali, Munger and Bhagalpur.
• Banana and maize crops have reportedly remained submerged for more than 10 days in affected areas.
• The government said nearly 50 lakh people have been directly affected by the floods.
• A detailed Inter-Ministerial Central Team will assess crop, livestock, housing and infrastructure losses.
• Bihar’s state government has begun transferring ₹7,000 per affected family through DBT, according to the release.
• Relief operations include shelters, drinking water, dry rations, cooked food and medical assistance.
• The Centre has said it will provide support for relief, recovery and reconstruction following the required assessment and state proposal.
• Crop compensation and restoration of damaged infrastructure will be reviewed as part of the response.

Flood Assessment Covers Agricultural and Residential Areas

During his visit to Terasia and Saraipur in Hajipur, Vaishali, Chouhan inspected inundated residential areas and agricultural fields, travelling by motorboat and country boat. He also used a tractor to reach areas that were difficult to access and reviewed water levels from the Raghopur Six-Lane Bridge.

In Munger, the Union Minister visited the Nawagarhi relief camp and inspected the Kojikaraiya embankment, including arrangements related to safety and drainage.

In Bhagalpur, he visited relief camps and interacted with families who had moved to shelters because of the flooding.

The government said water levels in some affected areas have risen significantly, with the Union Minister stating that information from the C