Jamshedpur looms in fear of flood with Subernarekha, Kharkai rivers flowing above danger levels, all gates of Chandil Dam opened

Jamshedpur: The threat of a flood looms large over Jamshedpur as incessant rains for the past 48 hours have caused a significant rise in the water levels of both the Subernarekha and Kharkai rivers. According to officials from the state water resources department, the Kharkai river has already crossed the danger mark, while the Subarnarekha river is nearing dangerous levels, sparking concerns of widespread flooding in low-lying areas.

East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal has issued an urgent appeal to residents living in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant. “People residing near the riverbanks should move to safer places and avoid venturing near the rivers,” Mittal said, emphasizing the importance of staying alert during this critical period.

Local MLA and Jharkhand Health Minister, Banna Gupta, also urged district officials to monitor the situation closely and take immediate preventive measures. “We need to ensure that people in flood-prone areas are evacuated to safety,” he said, instructing his party workers to assist affected communities.

The local administration has sounded alarms across the Singhbhum-Kolhan region after Odisha opened two sluice gates of a dam on the Kharkai river, further elevating water levels.

In response, local authorities have deployed a mobile public address system to alert residents of the rising water and the need to evacuate. Several families in low-lying areas have already begun relocating to safer ground.

To ease pressure on the city’s water system, officials also opened the radial gates of Dimna Lake. While the rainfall has brought relief to paddy farmers, agriculture experts have warned that maize and vegetable crops may suffer damage if the water is not drained promptly and the crops are not treated with appropriate pesticides.

“If the standing water isn’t cleared soon, and proper precautions aren’t taken, there’s a high risk of crop damage,” cautioned a local agricultural scientist.

The ongoing weather depression over Jharkhand has triggered heavy to moderate rainfall over the last 24 hours, and according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rains are expected to continue through today. The situation is likely to improve by tomorrow, providing some respite for the people of Jamshedpur.

All gates of Chandil Dam opened

Jamshedpur: All gates of the Chandil Dam in the Seraikela-Kharsawan district had been opened, further increasing the river’s water levels of Subharnarekha river. Due to incessant rain flood water have entered in houses on banks of two life line rivers of Jamshedpur.

With opening of gates danger level of both rivers are flowing above danger levels. Kharkhai is currently flowing at 131.04 meters and Subernarekha is flowing at 122 meters.

District Magistrate Ananya Mittal issued an alert to the NDRF and urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and safe. Advisory has been issued asking people to be away from river banks.

Former AMC Vice President urges installation of sluice gates to prevent flooding

Gamharia, September 16: Purendra Narayan Singh, former Vice President of Adityapur Municipal Corporation (AMC), has addressed a letter to Ramdas Soren, Minister of Water Resources for Jharkhand, requesting the installation of sluice gates and embankments along the Kharkai River and its drains to safeguard Adityapur’s coastal areas from flooding and erosion.

In his letter, Singh highlighted the recurrent issue of floodwaters impacting thousands of homes in Adityapur’s coastal regions, including Asangi, Bantanagar ABC Zone, Babakuti, Vastu Vihar, Radha Swami, and several other areas. He detailed the extensive damage caused by the 2008 floods and expressed concerns over similar risks during the rainy season when the Kharkai River’s water level rose.

Singh noted that while the Water Resources Department had completed the installation of sluice gates and embankments at Bhatia Basti and Road No. 7 along the Kharkai River, additional measures were needed. He urged Minister Soren to expedite the installation of similar infrastructure on remaining drains to protect the vulnerable areas of Adityapur.

The request followed an emergency meeting of the Adityapur-Gamharia Development Committee, led by Singh, which included various local members and stakeholders who discussed the pressing need for these protective measures.

Swarnarekha and Kharkai Rivers surpass danger levels

Authorities commence evacuation work in low-lying areas

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, September 16: The Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers have surged past their danger levels following continuous rainfall in and around Jamshedpur. The water levels of both rivers were rising rapidly, prompting the district administration to evacuate residents from low-lying areas to safer locations.

The Kharkai River, with the danger mark at 129.00 meters, is currently flowing at 131.04 meters. The Swarnarekha River, which has a danger level of 121.50 meters, has reached approximately 122 meters. Heavy rains over the past 48 hours have exacerbated the situation.

All gates of the Chandil Dam in the Seraikela-Kharsawan district had been opened, further increasing the river’s water levels. Floodwaters have begun to enter homes in coastal areas.

District Magistrate Ananya Mittal issued an alert to the NDRF and urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and safe. He advised against approaching riverbanks to prevent loss of life and property and emphasized the importance of following district administration guidelines. (w/gsd)

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Heavy Rain floods Mahatma Gandhi Medical College Hostel

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, September 16: Rainwater has inundated the hostel at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, leaving students deeply concerned. The hostel building is in a precarious condition, with seepage causing the rainwater to flood the premises.

The situation has worsened over the past four days of continuous rainfall, exacerbated by a cyclone forming due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to last for two more days. As a result, students have begun evacuating the hostel, while others remain awake through the night, frustrated with the management’s inadequate response.

Students are voicing their dissatisfaction with both the hostel management and the district administration, highlighting the lack of attention to their plight despite Jamshedpur being the home district of the Health Minister.

Flood Risk looms over Jamshedpur and 116 villages 

Jamshedpur, September 16: Jamshedpur was bracing for severe flood threats as relentless rains continued for the third consecutive day. In a critical move to manage rising water levels, 13 gates of Chandil Dam had been opened. This had already caused significant flooding in dozens of displaced villages, with the danger looming over an additional 116 villages if more gates needed to be opened.

The water level at Chandil Dam has now surged to 182 meters, and officials warn that reaching 184 meters would bring devastating floods to these vulnerable areas. The situation in Jamshedpur remains dire, with the Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers already flowing above danger levels. The lower Mango and Domuhani areas are particularly at risk, where the rising river levels threaten to inundate entire settlements.

As the threat intensifies, local residents are being urged to stay vigilant, though it remains to be seen how effectively the administration will respond to this growing crisis.

Banna Gupta issues instructions in view of rising water levels

Jamshedpur, September 16: Minister Banna Gupta has issued urgent instructions to the Deputy Commissioner of East Singhbhum in response to rising water levels in the Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers. Concerned about the safety of residents in flood-prone areas, Gupta has called for immediate relief and rescue operations.

In a social media post, Gupta highlighted the increasing water levels due to continuous rainfall over the past three days, with both rivers approaching danger marks. He urged residents living along the riverbanks to stay alert and follow safety precautions.

Gupta directed the Deputy Commissioner to identify the affected and arrange for their evacuation to safer locations. He emphasized the need for proper arrangements for their accommodation, food, and medical needs. Additionally, Gupta appealed to Congress workers and supporters to assist in the affected areas and support the displaced families.

Water floods 35 houses in Bagbera Naya Basti

Jamshedpur, September 16: Continuous rainfall over the past three days has led to overflowing rivers and flooding in Bagbera Naya Basti. Due to inadequate drainage systems and illegal construction on government land, water has entered 30 to 35 houses in the lower area.

The absence of proper drainage and a non-functional sluice gate means that water can only be pumped out, but this system is currently not in place. As a result, the area is at risk of further flooding. With rising river levels and ongoing rain, it is feared that up to 100 houses could be affected by evening.

BJP leader Subodh Jha has criticized the district administration for not addressing this long-standing issue.

Heavy rainfall causes flooding in Saraikela-Kharsawan District

Saraikela, September 16: Continuous rainfall over the past three days has led to significant flooding in Saraikela-Kharsawan district. The Kharkai River at Majna Ghat is now just five to six meters below the culvert, with further rainfall likely to impact nearby areas. On Monday, the district experienced an average of 70 mm of rain.

The persistent rain has severely disrupted daily life, damaging roads and flooding fields. Waterlogging has caused considerable commuting difficulties, particularly affecting schoolchildren. Residents are mostly staying indoors, and local businesses are suffering due to reduced customer footfall.

Previously affected by extreme heat, residents are now grappling with the heavy rains and inadequate drainage. The roads, especially from Dangardiha to Saraikela, are heavily affected by potholes filled with rainwater, forcing residents to take longer routes.

As of Monday evening, the water level of the Kharkai River at Adityapur Bridge reached 131.160 meters, surpassing the danger mark of 129.00 meters by 2.160 meters. The Swarnarekha River at Mango is currently at 120.920 meters, below its danger mark of 121.50 meters. The water level of Ganjia Barrage has also risen to 137.50 meters, prompting the opening of seven gates up to 5 meters.

Block-wise rainfall measurements include Kuchai: 72 mm, Nimdih: 72.4 mm, Kukru: 68.6 mm, Ichagarh: 70.4 mm, Chandil: 74.2 mm, Kharsawan: 65.4 mm and Gamharia: 68.4 mm.