Bengal govt in suspense over forecasted high tides, flood-like situation

West Bengal authorities on Saturday expressed concern over a flood-like situation that has developed in some districts of the state following heavy rainfall over the past four or five days.

Moreover, high tides are forecast on the state’s coast over the next few days, prompting the government to take all precautionary measures as some areas may be prone to flooding.

Alapan Bandyopadhyay, chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressed a press conference on Saturday and said, “South Bengal districts like Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum and many others have been affected due to continuous rainfall.”

He added, “Coochbehar, Alipurduar and North Bengal districts have been hit by heavy rains. Mamata Banerjee is closely monitoring the situation.”

“Moreover, Damodar Valley Corporation can also release water without any information. So, we request everyone to be careful and considerate,” Bandyopadhyay said.

DVC is a multi-purpose river valley project of independent India aimed at ensuring public welfare in Jakarta and West Bengal.

The Principal Advisor also mentioned that the DVC was not cooperating with the state government regarding the release of water through various dams.

“The DVC is going to release more water in the coming days. But it will create problems for everyone. Don’t panic but be very careful. Around August 5-7, there may be some problems due to high tide. The DVC is going to release one lakh cusecs of water. We have requested them not to release so much water. Otherwise, flood-like situations may arise at many places,” Alapan Bandopadhyay said.

We have informed all district judges and senior police officers that we are constantly monitoring the situation, he added.

During the heavy rainfall that has occurred in many regions in recent days, there have been floods and inundations that have disrupted normal life.

Heavy rains in and around Kolkata resulted in flooding of the runway at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

However, flights operated normally, with no cancellations or delays reported.

Kolkata was lashed by heavy rains on Thursday and Friday as a low-pressure area turned into a deep depression. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rain for the city.