Northeastern states fear floods amid pre-monsoon rains

SILIGURI: Pre monsoon Raindrops have started ringing alarm bell in North East region and adjoining northern half of West Bengal, two of the worst flood hit areas in the country. Once again flooding or inundation is likely to shatter life and agri dependent economy in this region despite many flood controlling projects.

During 1st March to 15th April, sub Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim have received more than 20% above normal rainfall while the figure for adjoining NE region is less than normal. But, “The trend keeps on changing. Overall, we expect good downpour after actual onset of monsoon,” said meteorologist Mr. G. N. Raha. Interestingly, instead of joy, this expectation is bringing worry in the region.

Heavy erosion in East Bank of Ganges in Farakka upstream is one of the largest threats. “This will go violent this year too,” said Mr. M. Alam, senior member of Ganga Bhangan Pratirodh Action Nagorik Committee. According to experts, suffering from heavy siltation, Ganges at this point cannot hold its 25 lakh cusec monsoon hydroload any more. But, “To manage that, none could arrange proper dredging that needs over Rs 200 crore,” said Mr. Alam.

“Siltation has eaten up water retaining capacity of all rivers in foothills too making flooding of them obvious,” said geologist from NB University Dr. S. Sarkar. On an average, floodwater washes out more than 2.5 lakh heater agri land every year.

As per the report of special task force of the Water Resources Development ministry, West Bengal suffered most due to flood in last half century. The overall loss was estimated as of around Rs 15,000 crore in addition to loss of more than 8,700 human lives and over 6 lakh livestock. According to National Commission on Flood reports, contribution of NER is also very high in national average annual loss of Rs 1,000 crore due to flood.

As controlling measure, Government of India(GoI) has earmarked Rs 800 crore for flood control in North Bengal for the period till 2017. Also, there were Flood management program outlay plan for Rs 8000 crore for 11th Plan period, GoI’s Critical flood control and anti-erosion schemes worth Rs 305 crore or Brahmaputra anti erosion scheme of Rs 225 crore along with State Sector scheme of Rs. 166.68 crore for NER and West Bengal. But none could alter the scenario in positive direction.