DVC operates four dams viz. Maithon, Panchet, Tillaiya and Konar. Final releases are from Maithon and Panchet. All releases are as advised by the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee (DVRRC) which has representatives from Govt. of West Bengal, Govt. of Jharkhand, Central Water Commission (Member Secretary) and from DVC.

Due to a deep depression over Gangetic West Bengal and subsequently over Jharkhand, significant rainfall occurred in the lower Damodar valley area in West Bengal from 14/09/2024 to 15/09/2024 whereas the upper valley in Jharkhand experienced heavy rainfall w.e.f. 15/09/2024 to 16/09/2024. All rainfall events ceased from 17/09/2024.Rivers in South Bengal viz. Amta Channel and Mundeswari for River Damodar outfall were in spate. Other rivers such as Silabati, Kangsabati and Dwarakeshwar which are interlinked with the river Damodar were also in flood. Evacuation of flood water during the period was slow due to this reason.

The Tenughat Dam which is operated by Govt. of Jharkhand but is outside the control of DVRRC made a huge release of 85,000 cusecs which added to the problem. Govt. of Jharkhand has refused to bring this dam within the ambit of the DVRRC.

All the above flood release advices from Maithon and Panchet Dams w.e.f. 14/09/2024 were made in consultation with DVC and Government of West Bengal. All protocols regarding prior intimation to all concerned authorities regarding the scheduled flood releases were followed by DVC.

Against the combined peak inflow of 4,23,163 cusec the combined peak outflow was only 2,50,885 cusec resulting in a flood moderation of 40.71%. Against a Peak inflow at 6 am on 17.9.24 of 4,23,163 Cusec the corresponding outflow was 90,664 Cusec only. Hence 78.57% of flood water was absorbed at that time.

Every possible effort was made to avert synchronisation of dam releases with the drainage congestions in the lower valley. DVC took the responsibility of even permitting the Panchet reservoir to build beyond the land acquisition level and the maximum level which reached was RL. 425.22 ft. as on 17:00 hrs. of 17/09/2024.

Due to the above mentioned uncontrollable factors and from dam safety point of view, the combined peak releases made from Maithon & Panchet dams was 2.5 lakh cusec w.e.f. 08:00 hrs. to 18:00 hrs. of 17/09/2024 which was however gradually reduced to 80,000 cusec at 06:50 hrs, of 19/09/2024

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Sushil Kumar

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