Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar embarked on an aerial survey of Bhagalpur and Katihar districts on Tuesday to take stock of the land erosion caused by the Ganga river. He directed the water resources department (WRD) to conduct a detailed survey of the loss of land there.

“A few MLAs met me and some people also telephoned about the land being washed away by the Ganga in Katihar. I am going to see what is happening there. Steps should be taken to protect the area,” Nitish told reporters before embarking on his aerial tour.

The chief minister later landed at a helipad at Baghmara in Katihar and went to see the rapid destruction caused by the Ganga. He also met the local people and enquired them about the loss.

The engineers present there explained the land erosion to him with the help of photographs taken by drones.

“All necessary steps must be taken to stop the land being eroded by the Ganga at Baghmara. The WRD should undertake a detailed survey of the loss caused by the river. A team of experts should visit the area within three days,” Nitish said.