Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Aug 3: In a major step toward flood mitigation in Jamshedpur, a comprehensive flood protection plan worth Rs 350 crore has been sent to the Central Water Commission for final approval. The proposal, developed under the Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project, includes the construction of long embankments on the banks of the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers, alongside improved drainage and erosion control measures.
The Technical Advisory Committee has already cleared the plan, which aims to safeguard flood-prone areas such as Mango, Kadma, Sonari and Jugsalai, which face annual flooding due to rising river levels during monsoon.
Under the scheme, a 5 km dam will be constructed along the Kharkai river from Asangi to Donga Ghat behind NIT at a cost of Rs 132 crore. Meanwhile, the Subarnarekha river will see a 7 km embankment from Mango Bridge to Baliguma, with a budget of Rs 92 crore. Additionally, multiple major drainage channels and sluice gates will be built or upgraded to ensure better water management.
To further prevent flooding, boulder lining will be done along the banks from Sonari’s mouth to Baliguma to reduce erosion and stop river water from entering low-lying residential areas in the JNAC-Mango zone.
Speaking on the initiative, Neelam Sanjeev Minj, Executive Engineer of the Subarnarekha Project, said, “A Rs 350 crore plan has been submitted to the Central Water Commission. Once approved and completed, it will offer major relief from frequent floods.” She added that while smaller schemes can proceed after state approval, large-scale projects require central clearance.
The proposal also highlights the dysfunctionality of existing sluice gates, especially during heavy rains, when garbage from drains clogs them. Tata Steel UISL manages 15 sluice gates and the Water Resources Department oversees six more in the city. Annual inspections are conducted, but officials admit the gates often fail during critical times.
Flood-affected zones include Marine Drive (Kadma), Green Park, Bhuinyadih, Mango’s New Purulia Road, Jugsalai’s Islamnagar and Baghbera’s Baroda Ghat. Preliminary stone-lining work near Mango Bridge has already brought minor relief, raising hope for long-term protection once the full plan is executed.
