Water level low across north Bengal rivers, channel plan for idol immersion at ghats

Low water levels in most rivers across north Bengal have raised concerns about idol immersion arrangements, prompting the administration to strengthen safety measures at designated ghats.

Low water levels have left some immersion sites without adequate water, and concerns about river depth and the possibility of sudden flash floods have added to the challenges.

In such a situation, the state irrigation department has made arrangements to dredge specific sections of rivers and create channels to bring water to immersion ghats.

Sources in the department said many rivers in north Bengal, including the Mahananda in Siliguri, the Torsa in Cooch Behar and the Teesta in Jalpaiguri, do not have sufficient water near designated immersion sites.

To address the problem, channels are being created in selected stretches of the rivers to ensure that water reaches the ghats. However, the department has decided to suspend idol immersion at a ghat on the Diana river in Banarhat of Jalpaiguri, because of increased depth in that section.

Krishnendu Bhowmik, the chief engineer (northeast) of the department, said: “Arrangements were being made to ensure adequate water at designated immersion ghats while closely monitoring river conditions.”

On Monday, he inspected preparations at several immersion sites, including those along the Karala river in Jalpaiguri town. Officials from the Jalpaiguri municipality, the administration and the police were also present during the inspection. The team reviewed the infrastructure, river depth and safety arrangements at the ghats.

Bhowmik said officials of his department would inspect immersion ghats in coordination with the administration and police, monitor river depths and issue warnings whenever necessary. The safety measures are to remain in force not only during Durga Puja but also during Kali Puja and Chhath Puja.

“Our primary objective is to prevent accidents through the use of designated immersion sites, enhanced surveillance and the identification and barricading of hazardous areas. Simultaneously, we create channels for adequate water supply to facilitate immersion,” said an official.