He added the state government had drawn the attention of the Centre to the obstacles being created in the repair work in Nepal. Workers from Bihar were not being allowed to carry out maintenance of banks in the restricted sanctuary area, the minister said.

River experts expressed concern over the Kosi maintaining last year’s course. Convener of the Indian River Network (Bihar), Bhagwan Pathak, told The Indian Express: “Despite three pilot channels in place, the river is flowing close to the eastern bank. The government must not pass the buck this year but coordinate with the Centre to carry out repair and maintenance throughout the flood season, until October.”

Pathak said the Central government should ensure that Nepal did not create problems for Bihar engineers. “Any lethargy will cause chaos again,” he warned.