Incessant rains trigger structural injury to Tilpara barrage in West Bengal’s Birbhum district

Heavy rainfall in West Bengal has led to main structural injury to the Tilpara barrage within the Birbhum district. Transport has been stopped on this cardinal bridge above the barrage, which is likely one of the main hyperlinks between north and south Bengal. Locals alleged authorities negligence in repairing the decades-old barrage. 

This yr a number of districts in West Bengal are grappling with heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and even landslides in elements of north Bengal. 

In keeping with the West Bengal State irrigation division, on July 29, a sudden surge in rain in Birbhum led to 99 mm of downpour in 2 hours, triggering an unprecedented surge in discharge—48,600 cusecs—by way of the construction of the Tilpara barrage. By 7 am, influx had peaked at 56,497 cusecs, resulting in publicity of sheet piles beneath the barrage apron and compromising the divide wall. Inside three weeks of June finish to mid-July final yr in 2024 the world obtained round 600 mm rainfall, however this yr rains crossed 1,500 mm throughout the identical time.  

Manas Bhunia, Minister for Irrigation and Waterways, mentioned that momentary measures have been taken to de-escalate the state of affairs after July 14, and unfastened boulders have been dumped on the impervious ground. “Regardless of these efforts, the barrage endured extreme injury and countless rains has disrupted work a number of instances,” he added. 

An emergency response—together with sand grouting beneath the ground and bolstered gabion dumping—was proposed by IIT Roorkee consultants on August 3. Minister Bhunia confirmed work would start from August 9, with full mobilization of equipment and expert manpower underway. 

“There may be land subsidence within the space, in keeping with the consultants who visited the location, however the water thrust is extreme, and the construction is previous so it sustained damages,” Mr. Bhunia mentioned on Friday.  

The 308-meter Tilpara barrage was constructed in 1951 and has suffered many damages over time attributable to floods within the State. However the locals within the space have alleged negligence and lack of upkeep as main causes behind the collapse of the construction. As a result of sudden escalation within the state of affairs, the federal government needed to cease motion on the bridge above the barrage from August 1. This has led to large communication issue for the locals. 

“The street above the barrage is a part of Nationwide Freeway 14, Birbhum’s most important metropolis is Suri, which is related by this street. Anybody coming in from different elements of Birbhum need to take different routes and wait 2-3 hours in visitors jam. This barrage has no upkeep, this was certain to occur,” a resident of Suri Suri informed The Hindu. He additionally mentioned that heavy load autos, together with vans from Deocha Pachami coal mines, are consistently travelling by way of this street, inflicting additional injury to the weak construction. 

In keeping with officers the primary injury to the construction was observed in 2019. Mr. Bhunia alleged that the central authorities has by no means sanctioned cash for the restore works since 2019 and has led to the delay within the restore works.  

The State irrigation division confirmed on August 8 that IIT Roorkee consultants visited on August 3 and proposed some instant treatments to comprise the state of affairs—together with sand grouting beneath the ground and bolstered gabion dumping. 

A delegation from the Central Water Fee will survey the Tilpara barrage on Saturday.