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Weather
DVC warns of flooding in five West Bengal districts after massive releases from Maithon and Panchet dams
✍️ Telegraph India
🗓 03 Sep 2026, 04:48 PM
👁 28
The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has issued flood alerts for five districts in West Bengal following heavy water releases from the Maithon and Panchet reservoirs.
The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) announced that it had to release a large volume of water from the Maithon and Panchet reservoirs to maintain safe storage levels. The sudden discharge is expected to raise river levels downstream, prompting authorities to issue flood alerts for five districts in West Bengal.
District officials have been instructed to monitor river gauges closely and to mobilise emergency response teams. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to stay alert, avoid low‑lying zones, and be prepared for possible evacuations if water levels rise further.
The DVC emphasized that the releases were necessary to prevent overtopping of the dams, which could pose a greater risk to life and property. Local police and disaster management agencies are on standby to assist communities and coordinate relief measures as needed.
Meteorological departments are tracking the situation and will issue updates should the flood risk intensify. Meanwhile, the DVC has urged the public to cooperate with authorities and follow safety instructions.
The alert underscores the ongoing challenges of water management in the region, especially during the monsoon season when dam reservoirs frequently reach critical capacities.
District officials have been instructed to monitor river gauges closely and to mobilise emergency response teams. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to stay alert, avoid low‑lying zones, and be prepared for possible evacuations if water levels rise further.
The DVC emphasized that the releases were necessary to prevent overtopping of the dams, which could pose a greater risk to life and property. Local police and disaster management agencies are on standby to assist communities and coordinate relief measures as needed.
Meteorological departments are tracking the situation and will issue updates should the flood risk intensify. Meanwhile, the DVC has urged the public to cooperate with authorities and follow safety instructions.
The alert underscores the ongoing challenges of water management in the region, especially during the monsoon season when dam reservoirs frequently reach critical capacities.