Teesta and stream flood two blocks

TT, Jalpaiguri: Incessant rainfall in some areas of western Dooars and in the adjoining Bhutan hills have led to rise in water levels of the Teesta and Hatinala, a stream flowing through Banarhat and Binnaguri, causing inundation in a number of areas.

In Dhupguri and Malbazar blocks of Jalpaiguri district, around 2,200 houses were submerged and many people shifted to safer places.

In the past 24 hours, Neora, Murti, Diana and Nagrakata recorded 100mm to 150mm showers. The Hatinala spilled over its banks and flooded areas like Santinagar, UBI Road, the rural hospital, the police station premises and the market in Banarhat.

"It has become a common feature these days. Whenever there is a heavy rainfall, Banarhat is getting flooded. We want the administration and the state irrigation department to take steps immediately to dredge the bed of the Hatinala so that it can hold more water," said Ramesh Dutta, a local trader.

On the hospital premises, people had to trudge through waist-deep water. Even the quarters of doctors and other staff are flooded and their families have been shifted. Also, tea gardens like Totapara and Binnaguri have been inundated by the Hatinala.

Local people pointed out that the banks of the Hatinala had been encroached over and constructions had come up.

"This has narrowed the stream's width. Also, garbage is regularly dumped into it, which has led to rise in the river bed. Naturally, in case there is a heavy rainfall, the river could not hold additional water and breaches the banks," said a resident.

Dipankar Roy, the BDO of Dhupguri block, SAID: "The area, through which the Hatinala passes in Banarhat, is owned by the railways and the Indian Oil Corporation. We need to talk to them to start cleaning the stream and take up other flood safety measures," said Roy.

Also, due to rise in water levels of the Teesta, Babupara and Basusuba, two villages located under Champadanga panchayat of Malbazar block, are flooded.

Sources in the Met Office said there was a forecast of more rainfall in sub-Himalayan Bengal and Sikkim in the next 24 hours. "It might rain from 70mm to 110mm in some of the areas," said the sources.