Narayani River hits record 11.94m level in Chitwan

The Narayani Basin Field Office in Bharatpur confirmed that the river's water level peaked at 11.94 meters at 2:10 pm on 27 September 2026. This reading at the Devghat water measurement center represents the highest level recorded since hydrological monitoring began at the site in 1963. The office stated that this figure exceeds all previous historical records for the river. Standard safety thresholds for the Narayani River define 7.30 meters as the warning level and 9 meters as the danger level. The recorded peak of 11.94 meters is substantially higher than the danger mark. By 3:40 pm, the water level had decreased to 11.75 meters, indicating a downward trend, though it remained well above the critical threshold. Engineer Sumit Adhikari, Chief Hydrologist at the Narayani Basin Field Office, explained that the current reading is unprecedented in the station's history. He cautioned that water levels could fluctuate further due to ongoing rainfall in the hilly regions upstream. The office maintains records of previous high-water events to track long-term trends in the river's behavior. Historical data from the Field Office shows the previous highest water level was 11.6 meters, recorded on Ashoj 12, 2081 BS (28 September 2024). Other notable past readings include 10.50 meters on Ashad 2, 2078 BS, and 9.52 meters on Ashoj 20, 2079 BS. These records highlight the increasing magnitude of recent high-water events compared to earlier decades. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology provided the specific timing and measurements for the record event. The Narayani River is a major waterway in Nepal, and its flow is closely monitored for potential flooding risks in downstream areas. Authorities continue to track the river's status as the monsoon season progresses.