West Bengal on alert as DVC water release triggers flood threat in multiple districts

• DVC has initiated the release of water from Jharkhand, leading to flood situation in several districts of the state
• Addected districts include West Bardhaman, Bankura, Birbhum, East Burdwan, West Medinipur, Hooghly, and Howrah 
• The Meteorological Department forecasts ongoing rainfall in these districts until October 10 which may worsen the situation

Amidst continuous rainfall in West Bengal over the past week, the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has initiated the release of water from Jharkhand, leading to flood situation in several districts of the state. Officials from the State Disaster Management Department have reported that water levels in districts like West Bardhaman, Bankura, Birbhum, East Burdwan, West Medinipur, Hooghly, and Howrah have risen significantly, causing growing concerns.  Continuous rain is proving to be more harmful. The disaster management officers as well as the administration of these districts in the state have been put on alert.

Despite Monday being national holiday in observance of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, Chief Secretary Hari Krishna Dwivedi has called for a meeting of District Magistrates from the affected districts. This crucial meeting, scheduled for the afternoon, aims to formulate strategies for flood control and the rescue of affected residents. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings that the seven mentioned districts, apart from Kolkata, will continue to experience rain until October 10, heightening the risk of flooding.

The annual release of water by the DVC typically results in floods in West Bengal, displacing millions of residents. Just two days ago, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed concerns about the situation worsening due to continuous rainfall caused by a cyclone. The subsequent release of water by the DVC has indeed affected life in these districts, leading to further disruptions.