Kolkata, Aug 9 (IANS) The West Bengal government Tuesday issued high alert with rising rivers breaching embankments in South 24-Parganas and North 24-Parganas districts.


In the wake of torrential rains, the water level has gone up alarmingly to 81,000 cusecs in the Damodar Valley Corporation channels.

State Irrigation and Waterways Minister Manas Bhuniya Tuesday said the government has issued a high alert and the departments and authorities concerned were constantly monitoring the situation.

The rising river water levels have breached embankments in Namkhana and Gosaba in South 24-Parganas and Sandeshkhali in North 24-Parganas, Bhuniya said.

"There has been heavy rainfall in various parts of the state. Howrah, West Midnapore, and even Purulia, Bankura have witnessed heavy rainfall. Amta in Howrah recorded 250mm of rainfall. The authorities concerned in all the districts have been put on high alert and asked to monitor the situation constantly," Bhunia said.

Officials of the departments concerned have been barred from going on leave. Bhuniya said he and North Bengal flood control officials were constantly keeping a close eye on the situation.

"The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has been instructed to release water only after prior consultation with the state government and the irrigation department. Because of the rain in Jharkhand and in our state, the water level in the DVC has now reached 81,000 cusecs," he said.