Burhi Gandak River

The Burhi Gandak River originates from Bihar in Chautarwa Chaur located near Bisambharpur, West Champaran District. The name ‘Burhi’ translates to old in English. The Burhi Gandak River flows parallel to the eastern side of the Gandak River through an old channel. Originating from Nepal, the Gandak is a tributary of the Ganges on the Indian side. Its coordinates are 25°51'40"N latitudes and 85°48'36"Elongitudes. The river flows through various districts in Bihar before merging with the Ganges.

Burhi Gandak’s major tributaries are Danda, Pandai, Masan, Kohra, Balor, Sikta, Tiur, Tilawe, Dhanauti and Anjankote. The main populated areas around the river are Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria and Darbhanga districts. Presently there are no man-made projects such as dams, springs or channels over the Burhi Gandak River. The river’s total length is 320 km with drainage area 10,150 sq km. The catchment area that falls in Bihar is 9601 sq km.

Its flow creates the boundary for Khagaria town on the eastern side. Embankments have been built along the border to protect the town from flooding when the water swells in Burhi Gandak.

Course

The Burhi Gandak River’s point of origin is Chautarwa Chaur near Bisambharpur in the Indian State Bihar. The river flows mostly freely along the state before merging with other tributaries and finally confluences with the Ganges. From its origin point in the West Champaran district, it flows about 56 km through the East Champaran district. There on it turns south and is joined by two more rivers; Tour and Dubhara. It further flows in the south eastern direction entering the Muzaffarpur district. It covers the length for about 32 km here during which it tends to spill over its bank and creates several channels that flow freely before rejoining with the river’s main flow. The Burhi Gandak meanders through Begusarai, Samastipur and Khagaria district. It covers the Khagaria district by running along its side for a very short distance before flowing into the Ganges.

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