1. Teesta River Shifts Post Sikkim Flash-Floods.
2. Concerns Rise as Trajectory Alters.
3. Fifth Instance of River’s Course Change.
Gangtok, Jan 02: In the aftermath of last year’s devastating flash floods in Sikkim, the Teesta River has experienced significant changes in its trajectory, raising concerns among authorities. The altered course of the river observed through satellite images, marks the fifth such instance of trajectory shifts.
Concerns Over Economic Impact
The frequent alterations in the river’s trajectory have sparked apprehensions about potential economic repercussions for the hills and plains of North Bengal. To assess the extent of the changes and potential impacts, the state irrigation department plans to conduct a comprehensive “morphology survey” of the Teesta River.
Financial Sanctions for Morphology Survey
In pursuit of the morphology survey, the irrigation department has submitted a proposal to the state finance department, seeking financial sanctions. The survey aims to provide insights into the factors influencing the river’s course changes and the resulting implications for the region.
Also Read: CBI Submits Dual Chargesheets in Kamrup CJM Court for Manipur Violence Cases Against Five Accused
Factors Driving Trajectory Changes
Satellite imagery indicates that the Teesta River’s trajectory has been altered at multiple points in both the hills and plains. The primary drivers behind these changes are believed to be the resistance posed by heavy stone blocks carried downstream from the hills during flash floods and the substantial silt deposits left behind after the receding floodwaters.
Impact on Infrastructure and Connectivity
The flash floods not only caused significant damage in Sikkim but also disrupted crucial infrastructure. The Sevoke-Sikkim Road, a vital link connecting Siliguri in North Bengal with Gangtok in Sikkim, became inoperative for an extended period due to the calamity. The road’s reopening in October marked a crucial step in restoring connectivity.
Human Toll and Response
The flash floods resulted in the recovery of 22 bodies from various areas in North Bengal, underscoring the human toll of the natural disaster.
In response to the challenges posed by such calamities, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), the civic administrative body in the Darjeeling hills, decided not to permit new hydropower projects in the region.
Environmental and Infrastructure Resilience
As the Teesta River continues to change, the morphology survey becomes imperative to gauge the environmental and infrastructure resilience of the affected regions.
Understanding the dynamics of these alterations is crucial for devising sustainable measures to mitigate the impact of future events and safeguard the economic interests of North Bengal.
