The spectre of floods has returned to haunt Ghatal. The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has started releasing water from its reservoirs, triggering fresh concerns among residents who had only recently recovered from prolonged waterlogging before Durga Puja.
According to the irrigation department, DVC has begun releasing water in phases from both the Durgapur and Tilpara barrages. The development has drawn sharp criticism from the Chief Minister, who reportedly expressed her displeasure over the decision. With heavy rain continuing in the region, the water levels of several rivers in the Ghatal sub-division have begun to rise steadily.
Fresh rainfall adds to worries
Administrative officials said Ghatal received around 68 millimetres of rainfall since Wednesday, and intermittent showers are likely to continue over the next 24 hours, on Sunday. The combination of rainfall and water release has sparked fears of renewed flooding among residents.
Ghatal had already been submerged for more than a month. Boats were used on flooded roads, schools and colleges were forced to close, and several roads were left severely damaged. Residents had expressed frustration over the prolonged ordeal. The situation improved slightly only about a week before Durga Puja, allowing schools to somehow complete their examinations.
Water levels are rising again
Barely days after the festive season, the fear of another deluge is back. Since Ekadashi, DVC has been releasing water in phases. According to the irrigation department, 74,000 cusecs of water were released from the Durgapur Barrage and 9,000 cusecs from the Tilpara Barrage on Saturday alone. As a result, the Shilabati and Rupnarayan rivers have started swelling once more.
The irrigation department also reported a rise in the Kothia Canal’s water level. Consequently, several areas, including Panna, Mohanbagan, and Monsuka are once again facing waterlogging.
Officials monitor the situation
Ghatal Sub-Divisional Officer Suman Biswas visited several affected areas on Saturday afternoon.“The river levels are rising due to continuous rainfall, and the release of water from DVC reservoirs has worsened the situation,” he said.
Narayan Chandra Nayak, joint secretary of the Ghatal Master Plan Implementation Struggle Committee, warned that vast stretches of Ghatal could once again go underwater this year.
