Century-old Chaiti Durga temple swept away by Ganga in Bihar's Bhagalpur

Ganga swept away a nearly century-old Chaiti Durga Temple in Bihar's Bhagalpur district on Tuesday as severe riverbank erosion caused widespread destruction in the Raghopur area.

A video showing the temple being swallowed by the fast-flowing waters within seconds has surfaced on social media, with locals seen watching as the structure collapsed into the river.

The situation in Raghopur has been described as "challenging and difficult" by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, who also holds the Water Resources Department portfolio. He said severe erosion at several locations had created pressure zones, while senior officials and engineers were deployed to assess the situation and undertake measures to control the erosion.

Choudhary said the situation remained serious due to unexpected changes in the flow of the Ganga. He also returned to Patna after cutting short a meeting in New Delhi in view of the developments.

According to Water Resources Department officials, rising water levels, changes in the river's flow, heavy silt deposition and strong currents have triggered erosion at multiple locations. The area around the Mahadevpur embankment has also remained vulnerable, with erosion and scouring continuing despite protective measures.

Authorities have put officials on high alert and are preparing for possible evacuations in vulnerable areas. Relief measures are also being arranged for affected residents, including community kitchens and relief camps equipped with food, drinking water and healthcare facilities.

Bhagalpur District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey has urged residents to remain alert, prioritise the safety of people, essential belongings and livestock, and follow official advisories. The administration has also appealed to residents not to pay attention to rumours and assured them that relief and rescue measures would be taken if required.

The temple's collapse has added to concerns in Raghopur, where continuing erosion is threatening land and structures along the Ganga.