-The Telegraph
“The situation is being monitored round the clock,” said irrigation minister Manas Bhuniya.
He said the water levels of some rivers had risen following continuous rainfall over the past two days in their catchment areas. “The districts for which a flood alert has been issued are Malda, Murshidabad, North and South 24-Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Burdwan, East and West Midnapore and Jalpaiguri,” Bhuniya said.
A 24-hour control room (no: 033-23218341) has been opened at the water resources department office in Salt Lake.
The water levels of the Ganga at Malda’s Manikchak and Fulahar are rising, though they are still below the danger level. The rivers in north Bengal too are swelling. Among the other rivers whose water levels are rising are the Ajay, Mayurakshi, Kangshabati and the Dwarakeswar.
Bhuniya said the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) system had to release 44,000 cusecs of water. The DVC has been asked to release the water in phases after informing the government. “If the rain continues, the quantum of release may go up to 50,000 cusecs,” Bhuniya said.
The water levels of the south Bengal rivers are also rising because of the high tide.
The embankments of several rivers, especially in Malda and Murshidabad, have been weakened. Breaches have occurred in the embankments of the tributaries of the Ganga in Namkhana, Gosaba, North Naraingar and Sandeshkhali.
“The situation in Malda and Murshidabad is especially worrying. Full central assistance is required to rectify the situation,” Bhuniya said. He said at least Rs 1 crore would be required immediately to repair the embankments in the two districts. Members of the flood-control commission will meet the Union water resources minister soon.
In South 24-Parganas, breaches have occurred in the embankments of the Matla river and its tributaries at Kakdwip and Patharpratima.
In North 24-Parganas, a flood-like situation has occured in Basirhat.