Last year's disaster in Sikkim has altered the course of the Teesta River, causing sediment to accumulate and elevate the riverbed. These changes have made the Teesta more dangerous. Every day, the river's raging waters are breaking the extended parts of the embankment, known as 'spurs.' In response, the irrigation department has decided to dredge the Teesta to manage the situation. Detailed plans for the dredging project are being prepared, as significant costs are anticipated. The department insists that, given the current condition of the Teesta at the beginning of the monsoon season, swift dredging is essential to protect the settlements along both banks of the river.
Last year’s disaster in Sikkim caused the Teesta to change its course and raised the riverbed due to sediment buildup. This has made the river extremely dangerous. On Thursday, seven 'spurs' on the Teesta embankment near Maynaguri in Bakali were damaged. Last year, five spurs were damaged, and this year, with the river changing course, two more spurs have been affected. Post-Sevoke, the Teesta is flowing at the same height as the surrounding villages, causing water to flood into areas like the Lalton basti. The amount of water released from the Teesta barrage has been increased, and a 'red alert' has been issued for the unprotected areas of the Teesta in Mekhliganj.
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Krishnendu Bhowmik, Chief Engineer (Northeast) of the irrigation department, stated, “After the Teesta changed its course, a survey was conducted, and we received the report. The riverbed has become elevated due to sediment buildup. We need to quickly remove the sediment from the Teesta’s riverbed. A detailed project plan has been requested. While it’s not possible during the peak monsoon, we must start the work as soon as the rains subside. Today, several spurs were damaged again.”
An irrigation department official said, “Right now, we need to protect the spurs. Repair work will follow later.” The central meteorological department has also issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Q&A
Q: What prompted the decision to dredge the Teesta River?
A: The decision to dredge the Teesta River was prompted by last year’s disaster in Sikkim, which altered the river’s course and caused sediment to accumulate, raising the riverbed. These changes have increased the risk of flooding and embankment damage.
Q: What is the main goal of the dredging project for the Teesta River?
A: The main goal of the dredging project is to remove the sediment buildup from the riverbed, lower the river’s height, and prevent further flooding and damage to the embankments. This will help protect the settlements along both banks of the river.
Q: Who is responsible for carrying out the dredging project?
A: The irrigation department is responsible for carrying out the dredging project. They have been tasked with preparing detailed plans and overseeing the implementation of the dredging.
Q: How much is the estimated cost for the dredging project?
A: While the exact cost has not been disclosed, it is expected to be significant due to the scale of the dredging required. The irrigation department is currently working on detailed project plans that will include cost estimates.
Q: When will the dredging work commence?
A: The dredging work is planned to commence as soon as the monsoon season subsides. Conducting the dredging during the peak monsoon is not feasible, so the project will start once the weather conditions are more favorable.
Q: What immediate steps are being taken to protect the affected areas until the dredging begins?
A: In the immediate term, efforts are focused on protecting the spurs (extended parts of the embankment) to prevent further damage. Additionally, water release from the Teesta barrage has been increased to manage the river flow, and a 'red alert' has been issued for the unprotected areas in Mekhliganj.
Q: What areas are most affected by the changes in the Teesta River?
A: Areas near Maynaguri in Bakali have seen significant damage, with seven spurs damaged recently. Villages around Sevoke, including Lalton basti, are also experiencing flooding as the river flows at the same height as these settlements.
Q: How are local communities being informed and protected during this period?
A: Local communities are being informed through alerts and warnings, such as the 'red alert' issued in Mekhliganj. The irrigation department is also monitoring the situation closely and taking measures to manage the river flow and protect the embankments.
Q: What role does the survey report play in the dredging project?
A: The survey report provides crucial data on the changes in the Teesta’s course and the sediment buildup. This information is being used to plan the dredging project effectively, ensuring that the most critical areas are addressed first.
Q: Are there any long-term plans for maintaining the Teesta River to prevent future issues?
A: While immediate efforts are focused on dredging and embankment protection, long-term plans will likely include regular maintenance of the riverbed and embankments, continued monitoring, and implementing additional measures as needed to manage the river’s flow and prevent sediment buildup.
- Report by Malbazar Representative
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