Patna, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Two labourers remained missing after a boat carrying 21 workers capsized during anti-erosion work along the Ganga in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district on Wednesday, while 19 others were rescued, officials said.
The incident took place in Raghopur block under the Naugachia subdivision. The labourers were travelling from areas including Ghogha, Ismailpur and Parbatta for work related to flood-control measures.
Following the accident, the local administration and police reached the site along with a State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) team equipped with motorboats and life jackets. Local divers and villagers also joined the search operation.
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey said 19 people had been rescued, while Sikandar Mandal and Badal Mandal remained unaccounted for. The search for the two missing labourers was continuing.
Pandey visited the accident site and reviewed the rescue operation as well as ongoing flood-control measures.
The district administration has also ordered action against contractors and vendors over an alleged violation of safety protocols. The District Magistrate directed the Water Resources Department to register a case against those concerned.
The anti-erosion work was being carried out under the Water Resources Department through contractor Rajkumar Singh. The administration said instructions had already been issued for all labourers working on boats to be provided with and wear life jackets.
Authorities suspect that non-compliance with the prescribed safety measures may have contributed to the accident.
Following the incident, the administration prohibited the use of boats for transporting materials during flood-control operations. Tractors will now be used to carry geo-bags to erosion-prone areas.
Officials have been directed to strictly enforce safety protocols during all ongoing anti-erosion and flood-control operations. The District Magistrate also ordered that no person below 18 years of age be allowed to undertake the hazardous work.
Engineers have been instructed to speed up anti-erosion measures, particularly as the Ganga’s water level remains around the danger mark.
Raghopur is the ancestral village of Bihar Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar, popularly known as Bulo Mandal.
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