The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has started issuing flood alerts for downstream areas in parts of West Bengal as it released a large volume of water from its Maithon and Panchet reservoirs, amid heavy rain, officials said on Thursday.
The combined water release by DVC on Wednesday evening was 1.2 lakh cusec from Panchet and Maithon dams.
The discharge of water was due to heavy rain in the catchment areas and increased inflow from Jharkhand's Tenughat dam, the officials said.
The flood alerts have been issued by DVC, an official said, adding that Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Bankura, Hooghly and Howrah districts will be affected by the DVC water release.
The Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee (DVRRC) decided to release water from Maithon and Panchet reservoirs on Wednesday evening until further orders.
Authorities asked to prepare for flooding
"The DVC has alerted the West Bengal government, district administrations and the additional district magistrate in Asansol, asking them to take precautionary measures in riverbank areas and remain prepared for possible flooding in the lower Damodar basin," an official said.
The decision to release water was taken to manage the rising pressure on the two reservoirs caused by heavy rainfall in their catchment areas and additional inflow from Tenughat dam, he said.
The quantum of discharge may be reviewed depending on changes in rainfall and inflow conditions, another official said.
DVC water release has triggered past disputes
The DVC has faced repeated criticism from the previous Mamata Banerjee government over flooding in the state's lower Damodar basin during periods of heavy rainfall and water release.
DVC officials, however, remain optimistic that the corporation will not be singled out during the current BJP regime, pointing out that water-release decisions are taken by the DVRRC, which also has representatives of the West Bengal government.
Reservoir levels being monitored
The committee regulates water release based on reservoir levels, inflows, rainfall forecasts and other technical considerations, officials said.
The DVC has maintained that controlled release of water is necessary for dam safety and to manage excess inflow into the reservoirs.
With substantial water being released from Maithon and Panchet, the authorities in downstream areas have been asked to closely monitor the river and vulnerable locations, the officials said.