West Bengal CM reviews Malda floods and riverbank erosion

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has reviewed three concurrent crises affecting the state: riverbank erosion in Malda, downstream flooding caused by water release from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), and the subsidence of railway tracks near New Farakka station.

Addressing the erosion in the Manikchak and Ratua areas of Malda, Adhikari noted that the issue is an annual occurrence requiring a permanent solution. The state government is currently coordinating with the governments of Bihar and Jharkhand, while involving experts from IIT Kanpur to develop a long-term mitigation plan. In the interim, District Magistrates are leading immediate relief operations, including rescue efforts and the establishment of shelters.

Regarding the Lower Damodar region—which includes Bankura, Hooghly, Howrah, and parts of West Bardhaman—Adhikari reported that despite heavy rainfall and the release of water, no embankment breaches have occurred and sluices and dams remain functional.