Flood situation improves

SNS, Siliguri, 11 July :Flood situation in Alipurduar and Tufanganj sub-divisions has improved after flood waters started to recede. 

According to the North Bengal Flood Control Commission (NBFCC), the region received normal rainfall measuring only two inches in the past 24 hours. But the administrations in both the districts ~ Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar ~ are concerned about the present flood situation due to heavy monsoon rain which is expected to continue in July after more than 150 polling stations are still underwater. 

Several schools, identified as polling booths, partly affected by floodwaters mainly in Tufanganj sub-division in Cooch Behar and Alipurduar sub-division in Jalpaiguri district. The administration started searching for an alternative arrangement for polling stations fearing second spell of floods during the fifth phase of rural polls slated to be held on 25 July. 

The district administration is keeping in touch with the irrigation department for taking flood preventive measures to save the polling stations, which are presently under water. The NBFCC chairman, Mr Gangadhar De, said: “The situation will come to normal if the dry spell continues for few days. During the dry spell we will take up preventive measures for flood protection during rural polls.” 

According to NBFCC sources, several areas in the Dooars receive on an average 4,000 mm to 4,500 mm since June to September. At present, those areas have received nearly half of the total average rainfall. 

“The water level of all rivers started receding and draining out stagnant waters from low lying villages. We would not face floods if the region receives normal rain,” said Mr De.