Kolkata: West Bengal is currently facing a flood-like situation due to heavy rains over the past few days. In Arambagh, located in the Hooghly district, houses and roads are submerged. Additionally, flood warnings have been issued for Coochbehar and Alipurduar districts in north Bengal.
In southern Bengal, the state government has expressed grave concern over the release of 1 lakh cusecs of water into the Damodar River. Officials have warned that such an action, taken without consultation with the state government, could have catastrophic consequences.
A flood alert has been issued for southern parts of West Bengal due to water releases from two upstream dams in Jharkhand. Heavy rain has already impacted Kolkata, where the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport experienced flooding, though flight operations remained unaffected. Meanwhile, the Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Andal, West Bardhhaman district, had to suspend operations due to flooding.
On Friday, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) recovered the bodies of three people who drowned in Asansol. Although the rain has temporarily eased, the potential release of water upstream could worsen the situation, particularly along the Damodar and Ajay rivers.
In south Bengal, rainfall of 150-200mm has created flood-like conditions in several districts, including Hooghly, Howrah, Bankura, Birbhum, East Burdwan, and West Burdwan. Visuals from Arambagh show inundated streets and villages, with locals struggling to navigate the floodwaters.
Alapan Bandopadhyay, Chief Advisor to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stated, "In the next 4-5 days, water levels may rise in areas like Cooch Behar and Alipurduar. Mamata Banerjee is closely monitoring the situation and holding discussions with senior officials. She has instructed them to stay vigilant."
The Chief Minister is in constant communication with district magistrates (DMs) and superintendents of police (SPs), issuing directives as needed. The Chief Secretary has also held meetings with DMs and relevant departments, and officers have been dispatched to various districts to oversee the evolving situation.
Bandopadhyay added, "The Member Secretary of the Damodar Valley River Regulatory Committee has informed us about the release of another 1 lakh cusecs of water. This decision was made unilaterally without consulting the state government, which expects severe consequences for the people. We are requesting the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) to avoid releasing such a large volume of water without proper discussion. Efforts are being made to stagger the release process."
He urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, especially on the 5th and 6th of the month. "If the administration advises people to move from dangerous areas like riverbanks, please comply," Bandopadhyay said.
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