The Teesta river basin, along with the border districts of West Bengal, continues to grapple with ongoing flood control measures. Despite efforts to mitigate the situation, both Sikkim and the affected areas in West Bengal are still facing the consequences of heavy flooding. Let’s delve into the current state of the Teesta river basin and shed light on the challenges faced by these regions.
The Teesta river basin is currently experiencing flooding, affecting Gangtok, Kolkata, and Delhi. The floodwaters have swept away military camps in Sikkim, causing the army’s weapons to be carried towards West Bengal. Tragically, an eight-year-old girl lost her life and five others were seriously injured when a mortar shell exploded in the Jalapaigudi district of West Bengal. The police in Jalpaigudi and Cooch Bihar have issued warnings not to touch suspicious items that may have been washed in the river. The army and special teams have been deployed to locate the missing weapons. So far, 26 people, including seven soldiers, have lost their lives in the Sikkim floods. Efforts are underway to search for the 142 people still missing in Gallanthai, with the assistance of army helicopters. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved Rs 44.8 crore in immediate assistance for Sikkim, and a central team will soon be sent to assess the damage. In 2015, the Central Water Society (WCS) conducted a study of Manchu Lakes in Sikkim and warned the state government about the vulnerability of hydropower projects along the Teesta River. The report highlighted the risk of severe flash flooding in the lower reaches of the Teesta basin, covering a distance of 175 km, due to the inundation of glacial lakes. South Lonak was identified as one of the fastest expanding and most dangerous lakes in the Himalayan region. Researchers have identified it as one of the 14 lakes prone to flash floods.
In a shocking revelation, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Premsingh Tamang, unveiled the root cause behind the flooding of the Chungthang Dam. It was exposed that the dam’s inadequate construction was to blame for this disastrous event. With heavy rainfall on Wednesday, the water level in Lonak lake surged, causing the entire flood to shift towards the vulnerable Chungthang Dam. The dam’s inability to withstand the force resulted in its collapse, leading to the overflow of floodwater into lower areas.In conclusion, the flooding of the Chungthang Dam in Sikkim due to poor construction is a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise from neglecting the quality of infrastructure. Chief Minister Tamang’s announcement of compensation for the affected families demonstrates the state’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of this tragedy. Moving forward, it is imperative for Sikkim and the nation
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