‘Planned flood’: As south Bengal is inundated, Mamata Banerjee threatens to snap ties with DVC

‘Planned flood’: As south Bengal is inundated, Mamata Banerjee threatens to snap ties with DVC

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian Physical Geo

Floods in South Bengal:

• Recent flooding in south Bengal has led to political tensions and accusations, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the center of the controversy.

Key Points:

• The Bengal government blames the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for a “planned strategy” to flood Bengal
  • Threatens to cut ties with DVC, which is headquartered in Calcutta.
  • Criticizes neighbouring Jharkhand for water release
  • West Bengal bars commercial vehicles from Jharkhand at the border, stopping them at the Duburdih border checkpost.
• Historical Context:
  • Flooding in the Lower Damodar Basin is a recurring issue
  • Banerjee has blamed DVC and the Centre in past incidents (2013, 2019, 2021).

About Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC):

• DVC is a multi-purpose river valley development project established in 1948 by the Government of India.
•  Its primary objectives were to control floods, irrigate agricultural lands, generate hydroelectric power, and provide industrial water supply in the Damodar Valley region, which spans across parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Major Projects under DVC:

Dams and Reservoirs

1. Tilaiya Dam (Jharkhand)
2. Maithon Dam (Jharkhand-West Bengal border)
3. Panchet Dam (Jharkhand-West Bengal border)
4. Konar Dam (Jharkhand)

Thermal Power Plants

1. Mejia Thermal Power Station (West Bengal)
2. Chandrapura Thermal Power Station (Jharkhand)
3. Bokaro Thermal Power Station (Jharkhand)
4. Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station (West Bengal)
5. Koderma Thermal Power Station (Jharkhand)
6. Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station (West Bengal)

Hydro Power Plants

1. Tilaiya Hydel Power Station (Jharkhand)
2. Maithon Hydel Power Station (Jharkhand-West Bengal border)
3. Panchet Hydel Power Station (Jharkhand-West Bengal border)

Key Facts

• Total installed power generation capacity: Over 6,700 MW
• Area under command: Approximately 24,235 sq km
• Serves: Parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar

Challenges and Controversies:

• Balancing flood control with power generation needs
  • The Damodar River, despite the flood control measures implemented by the DVC, continues to cause flooding in West Bengal, particularly during heavy rainfall. This has led to significant loss of life and property.
• Interstate water disputes
• Environmental concerns due to large-scale infrastructure projects
  • Silt accumulation in reservoirs has reduced their storage capacity, affecting power generation and flood control.
• Rehabilitation and resettlement issues related to dam construction

Recent Initiatives:

• Modernization of existing power plants
• Implementation of renewable energy projects
• Focus on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility

About Damodar river:

• The Damodar River is a major river system in eastern India, flowing through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• Origin: Near Chandwa village in the Chhotanagpur hills in Jharkhand’s Palamau district.
• Mouth: Hooghly River, Howrah district, West Bengal.
• It is known for its seasonal flooding and its role in the development of the region, particularly through the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) projects.
  • It was also known as the Sorrow of Bengal because of the ravaging floods it caused in the plains of West Bengal.
• Tributaries of the Damodar River:
  • Barakar River: Joins the Damodar near Panchet Dam.
  • Konar River: It flows through the Hazaribagh plateau.
  • Bokaro River: Joins the Damodar near Bokaro.
  • Mor River: Flows through the Ranchi plateau and joins the Damodar near Maithon Dam.
  • Gharghara River: A smaller tributary that joins the Damodar near Durgapur.