Damodar swells near danger mark, authorities cut discharge and tighten safety

The Damodar River is witnessing a sharp rise in water levels due to continuous rainfall and heavy discharge from multiple dams, raising flood alerts across parts of West Bengal. The situation is critical in Paschim Medinipur and other low-lying areas. In response, the administration has stepped up precautionary measures and is monitoring the situation closely.

On Saturday, around 60,000 cusecs of water was released from Maithon and Panchet dams. Following a request from the state irrigation department, the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee instructed Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) to reduce the outflow by 5,000 cusecs. Accordingly, on Sunday, Panchet released 30,000 cusecs and Maithon released 25,000 cusecs. Water levels were recorded at 478.15 feet in Maithon (danger mark: 480 feet) and 408 feet in Panchet (danger mark: 410 feet).

Due to the release of water from Maithon and Panchet as well as heavy local rainfall, the Damodar River continues to swell. Sanjay Majumdar, Executive Engineer of Damodar Headworks (Durgapur branch), said that water from nearby rivers is also flowing into the Damodar, contributing to the rising levels.

In view of Shivratri on Monday, authorities have implemented special safety arrangements at river ghats. A dedicated ghat has been set up at Birbhanpur in Durgapur and enclosed with protective fencing. Temporary bathing ghats at the Durgapur Barrage have been closed. Access routes to the closed ghats have been barricaded, and "STOP" signs have been installed to prevent entry.

Security personnel, including police and civic volunteers, have been deployed to regulate movement near vulnerable points. Barjora Block Trinamool Youth President Abhijit Seat stated that no bathing will be permitted at temporary ghats. He advised devotees to go to designated ghats in Durgapur for bathing and water collection during the Shivratri rituals.