North Bengal River Erosion Causes 12 Crore Loss

Heavy rainfall over the past week has led to severe riverbank erosion across multiple districts in North Bengal, causing an estimated financial loss of 10 to 12 crore rupees. The state irrigation department has identified 19 locations where river currents are damaging the banks. A formal report regarding this damage has been submitted to the Chief Minister's secretariat and the concerned irrigation authorities.

Affected Areas and Assessment

Irrigation department teams have inspected the affected regions to assess the damage. In the Siliguri area, erosion has been reported along the Balason River near the Ganges, in the Fulbari tourism zone, and along the Dulung River in the Embelan New Chamata area. Other affected districts include Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling. Specific rivers facing erosion include the Mansai, Ranai, Girdhari, Raidak-2, Sankosh, Dapna, Teesta, Jaldhaka, and Juranti rivers.

Rainfall Data and Department Response

North Bengal typically receives between 3400 and 3500 millimeters of rain annually. Current data shows that Alipurduar has already recorded 3795 millimeters of rainfall between January and August 5, while Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri has recorded 3509 millimeters. Irrigation officials have extended their active monitoring period until August 31 to manage the situation. The irrigation department has started storing sand, stones, and wire crates to address the erosion issues.

Future Repair Work Plans

Although the department initiated temporary measures like placing large bags along riverbanks in disaster-prone areas, ongoing rain has forced them to pause these activities. Repair work will resume only after the rainfall stops and the water levels in the rivers decrease. The department remains on standby to initiate further protective measures once the conditions become safe for field operations.