DVC's Water Release Triggers Fresh Flood Concerns in West Bengal
The Damodar Valley Corporation's release of water from its reservoirs has raised fresh flood concerns in West Bengal. State officials criticize the DVC's lack of coordination and unilateral decision-making, while the corporation argues that flooding depends on the downstream river capacity. Rising water levels continue to pose risks.
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- India
The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has released 55,000 cusecs of water from its Maithon and Panchet reservoirs, sparking new fears of flooding in West Bengal's southern districts. The state's Irrigation Minister, Manas Bhunia, criticized the DVC for uncoordinated daily water releases, which he claims lack a fixed 'safe level.'
Bhunia further alleged that years of insufficient dredging have reduced the reservoirs' capacity, exacerbating flood risks. While the DVC argues that flooding also depends on downstream river capacity, the state government called out the central authorities for neglecting the issue.
The recent release, coupled with recent heavy rains, has pushed some rivers past danger levels. Officials are closely monitoring the situation as parts of North Bengal continue to battle flood and landslide impacts.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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- West Bengal
- flooding
- water release
- Maithon
- Panchet
- Manas Bhunia
- irrigation
- rivers
- discharge
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