In the face of strident criticism from the opposition over its alleged neglect causing the breach in the Kosi embankment triggering the devastating flood in five districts, the Bihar government on Tuesday ordered a judicial inquiry into the circumstances leading to the incident.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet this evening, official sources said.

The one-member probe panel of a retired judge of Patna High Court will be asked to submit its report within six months of its coming into existence, Cabinet Secretary Girish Shanker told reporters.

"The inquiry panel will ascertain whether there has been any negligence on the part of any individual, institution or government officials that led to the breach on August 18 near Kusaha in Nepal," he said.

Shanker said the commission of inquiry will look into what steps were taken by successive governments in the state for implementation of Indo-Nepal treaty of 1953 on the Kosi under which a number of measures, including construction of high dam at Barahkshetra reservoir, were to be taken.

The probe panel will also suggest measures to ensure that such tragedies do not recur.

The law department will soon send a proposal to the High Court for its consent on who should head the inquiry panel.