The project site of the National Hydroelectric
Power Corporation’s third phase of Teesta Low Dam Project
at Rambhi in Kalimpong sub-division has submerged in the Teesta
waters following heavy rainfall in the area. There was, however,
no report of any casualty.
According to the NHPC officials, portions
of the 600-metre long coffer dyke at the project site got
breached this morning, resulting in inundation of the entire
area.
“The water level in the Teesta crossed the danger level
and damaged the coffer dyke early this morning. Owing to inundation
of the project site, we suspended all works today,”
said Mr SK Khatua, chief engineer, TLDP-III.
On an average, 1,100 personnel work in
day shift at the Rambhi project site and another 400 in the
night shift.
The NHPC officials are finding it difficult to assess the
monetary loss caused, as the damaged coffer dyke has also
gone under the Teesta waters.
As per TLDP officials, an attempt would be made tomorrow to
construct an approach road on the right bank of the Teesta
and resume the project work there. However, they clarified
that work in the barrage area would resume only after the
monsoons.
Meanwhile heavy rains over the past few
days have created a flood-like situation in Siliguri, Jalpaiguri
and Cooch Behar districts. Rivers, such as the Mahananda,
the Teesta, the Torsha and the Jaldhaka are flowing close
to the danger mark at several points.
In Siliguri, massive erosion of the Mahananda riverbank has
gobbled up around 82 houses at Uttar Samarnagar and Lower
Bhanunagar areas, compelling the families to take shift to
safer places. At Uttar Samarnagar near Champasari, the affected
people are taking shelter in two schools. The administration
is sending relief materials to the affected. State urban development
minister Mr Asok Bhattacharya visited the affected area and
instructed the officials to repair the damaged embankments.
Parts of Dhantola village near Fulbari and Laltong Basti near
Salugara have submerged in the Mahananda waters |
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