Rain in Sikkim Raises Flood Concerns Along Teesta River in North Bengal

RAJDEEP MONDAL, MP, May 28, 2026, Jalpaiguri: Incessant rainfall in Sikkim has triggered fresh concerns over a possible rise in the water level of the Teesta River, prompting the administration to initiate precautionary measures in low-lying areas of Jalpaiguri late on Tuesday night.

Preparations for public announcements through miking were undertaken to alert residents living along the riverbanks about the evolving situation.

Acting swiftly after receiving information about a potential increase in the Teesta’s water level, Kharia Gram Panchayat member Jaya Sarkar Biswas of Booth No. 168 in Vivekananda Pally personally visited the riverbank area during the night to assess the situation.

She later coordinated with local authorities to arrange microphone announcements urging residents to remain alert.

Residents living along the Teesta riverbank expressed deep concern over the possibility of flooding and crop losses.

Nimai Bhakta, a resident of Vivekananda Pally, said: “Whenever there is heavy rainfall in Sikkim, the water level of the Teesta rises and water is released from Gajoldoba. The condition of the embankment in our area is not very good. If the river swells further, there is a strong possibility of flooding. This is the maize season and almost every household has stored maize. If flood water enters the locality, it will cause huge losses.”

Another resident, Sushanta Bhakta, said: “I have maize cultivation on nearly 2.5 bighas of land. If the rainfall continues in Sikkim, the water level may rise further and destroy all my crops. I am extremely worried.”

Jaya Sarkar Biswas said nearly 1,000 to 1,500 farmers in the area were anxious about the situation.

“As soon as we received the information, we rushed to the spot and alerted residents with the help of the administration. Although the water level is normal at present, the administration is closely monitoring the rainfall situation in Sikkim,” she said.

Memories of the devastating 2023 Teesta disaster have further intensified fears among residents of the riverbank areas in Jalpaiguri and adjoining districts, where rising river waters had caused widespread flooding and extensive damage across large parts of the Teesta basin.