TEESTA RIVER NEWS
JALPAIGURI NEWS: Due to heavy rains in Sikkim, the Teesta River has swollen significantly, prompting the release of water from various barrages. The Irrigation Department had anticipated that the river's changed course would lead to flooding in new areas during the monsoon season. This year, even before the monsoon has fully set in, the rising water levels in the river have already caused floods in several new areas.
Last year's disaster at Sikkim's lake altered the course of the Teesta River. As a result, with the early rains this year, new flood-prone areas have emerged. Among these are Lalton Basti near Sevoke, Totogaon, areas near Milanpalli, and Bakali in Maynaguri. With the increase in water levels, water had to be released from the barrages. On Wednesday morning, water was first released from Kalijhora, followed by the opening of several lock gates at the Gajoldoba barrage. In total, around 2000 cubic meters of water were released.
The Jalpaiguri district administration has prohibited all activities in the Teesta River, including fishing and bathing. Preparations are also underway to evacuate people living on the riverbanks. Krishnendu Bhowmik, the chief architect of the Irrigation Department (North-East), mentioned that the areas where the river has changed its course have experienced flooding with just a slight increase in water levels. Preventative measures against flooding are being implemented quickly.
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The situation has raised concerns in Jalpaiguri, as heavy rains before the onset of the monsoon have already created the threat of flooding. Adding to the worries, the weather forecast predicts more heavy to extremely heavy rains in the coming days. The central weather department issued a special bulletin on Wednesday afternoon, announcing an "orange alert" for the next two days in Jalpaiguri, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Gopinath Raha, spokesperson for the Central Meteorological Department for North Bengal and Sikkim, stated that a new low-pressure trough has formed in the upper layers of the atmosphere. This is expected to cause heavy to very heavy rains in Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar.
Q&A
Q: What has caused the Teesta River to swell recently?
A: The Teesta River has swollen due to heavy rains in Sikkim. The increased rainfall has significantly raised the water levels, prompting the release of water from various barrages.
Q: Why was there a need to release water from the barrages?
A: The water levels in the Teesta River rose significantly due to heavy rains, necessitating the release of water from barrages to prevent potential flooding and damage to the structures.
Q: Which areas have been affected by the flooding of the Teesta River?
A: The rising water levels have caused flooding in several new areas, including Lalton Basti near Sevoke, Totogaon, areas near Milanpalli, and Bakali in Maynaguri.
Q: How did last year's disaster at Sikkim's lake impact the Teesta River?
A: Last year's disaster at Sikkim's lake changed the course of the Teesta River. This alteration has contributed to the flooding of new areas with the onset of the rainy season.
Q: What actions has the Jalpaiguri district administration taken in response to the flooding?
A: The Jalpaiguri district administration has prohibited all activities in the Teesta River, including fishing and bathing. Preparations are also underway to evacuate people living on the riverbanks.
Q: What did Krishnendu Bhowmik of the Irrigation Department say about the flood situation?
A: Krishnendu Bhowmik, the chief architect of the Irrigation Department (North-East), mentioned that areas where the Teesta River has changed its course have experienced flooding with even a slight increase in water levels. Preventative measures against flooding are being implemented quickly.
Q: How has the weather contributed to the flooding situation in Jalpaiguri?
A: Heavy storms and rains hit Jalpaiguri on Tuesday night, with frequent lightning strikes. Sporadic rainfall in Sikkim and additional rainfall in Bhutan have also contributed to the increased water levels in the Teesta River.
Q: What are the weather forecasts for the coming days in Jalpaiguri?
A: The central weather department has issued an "orange alert" for the next two days, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar.
Q: What is causing the expected heavy rains in Jalpaiguri and surrounding areas?
A: A new low-pressure trough has formed in the upper layers of the atmosphere, which is expected to cause heavy to very heavy rains in Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar.
- Report by News Malbazar representative
