• UGI USER
  • Aug 04, 2024
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FLOOD ALERT IN BENGAL AFTER WATER RELEASED FROM JHARKHAND DAMS

Why in the News?

  • The West Bengal government has issued a flood alert for the southern parts of the state due to water release from two dams in Jharkhand.

Details of the Topic

  • Event: The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) released a massive 75,000 cusecs of water through the Panchet and Maithon dams in Jharkhand, potentially leading to floods in West Bengal.
  • Impact: The release could lead to flooding in Hooghly, Howrah, Udaynarayanpur, Khanakul, and Amta areas due to the combination of high tide and water release.

Additional Information

  • Authorities’ Response:
    • Local authorities have been directed to stay vigilant.
    • The Chief Adviser to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Alapan Bandopadhyay, emphasized the need for constant monitoring.
    • Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is in constant touch with the district administration and police.
  • Affected Regions:
    • Southern parts of Bengal: Hooghly, Howrah, Udaynarayanpur, Khanakul, and Amta.
    • Northern parts of Bengal: Coochbehar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Malda have been put on orange alert for heavy rainfall.
  • Key Statements:
    • Alapan Bandopadhyay highlighted the risk of flooding due to high tide and DVC water release.
    • An official from the north Bengal district of Alipurduar expressed concerns over heavy rainfall and potential flash floods.
  • Current Situation:
    • The DVC’s release of 75,000 cusecs of water from the Panchet and Maithon dams occurred without consultation with West Bengal authorities.
    • West Bengal is already facing waterlogging in many places due to incessant rain.
UPSC Prelims Related Facts and Figures

  • Geographical Location:
    • Dams Involved: Panchet and Maithon dams located in Jharkhand.
    • Affected Areas: Southern Bengal (Hooghly, Howrah, Udaynarayanpur, Khanakul, Amta) and Northern Bengal (Coochbehar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Malda).
  • Hydrological Terms:
    • Cusec: A unit of flow (cubic feet per second) used to measure the discharge of water.
    • High Tide: The state of the tide when at its highest level.
  • Organizations:
    • Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC): A government organization responsible for managing the Panchet and Maithon dams.
  • Flood Management:
    • Importance of consulting local authorities before releasing large volumes of water.
    • The role of state and district administration in monitoring and managing potential flood situations.
  • Environmental Concerns:
    • The impact of heavy rainfall and water release on flood-prone areas.
    • Measures taken by the government to mitigate the risk of floods and ensure the safety of affected populations.