Dharan. As the water level in the Saptakoshi River continues to rise, 38 gates have been opened to reduce the risk of flooding. 38 out of 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage have been opened after the water flow in the river has increased due to continuous rains in the hilly areas.

According to the water level measurement taken at 10 pm on Monday, the water flow in the Koshi Barrage has reached 273,925 cusecs per second.

As per the measurement taken at 4 pm, 34 gates were opened when the water flow reached 256,100 cusecs. The flow is increasing rapidly, informed District Police Office Spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police Yograj Khatiwada.

“The barrage is currently lit with a red light, which is a sign of danger when the water flow crosses 150,000 cusecs,” he said. “The lighting of the red light indicates a potential danger, which indicates that the locals and concerned should be alert.”

Although there is no immediate risk of flooding at present, the water level is continuously rising due to the continuous rains in the hilly areas, he said. Spokesperson Khatiwada said that the concerned bodies as well as the residents around Saptakoshi have been urged to adopt necessary precautions and not to go to risky places. (RSS)