Ranchi: Continuous torrential rains over the past several days have led to sharp rise in water levels in Jharkhand’s major rivers, raising flood concerns in several districts.
The Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers in Jamshedpur are flowing above the danger mark, while the Koel river in Palamu is approaching critical levels.
In Jamshedpur, the district administration has sounded a warning for people residing along riverbanks and in low-lying areas as both the Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers continue to swell.
Authorities in Ramgarh have also issued alerts to residents living along the Damodar river due to its rising water level.
Heavy rainfall has compelled authorities to release water from the Galudih Barrage, Chandil Dam, and Ganjia Barrage. Eight gates of the Galudih Barrage and all 13 gates of the Ganjia Barrage have been opened, while water is also being discharged through nine gates of the Chandil Dam.
Officials said the gates were opened due to rising storage levels, but despite the controlled release, persistent rainfall continues to push river levels higher.
The situation in Palamu remains particularly serious. Torrential rain, coupled with the inflow of water from Gumla, Latehar, and Lohardaga districts, has caused the Koel river to overflow.
Floodwater has entered several low-lying neighbourhoods of Medininagar, including Kandu Mohalla, Girivar School Road, Shivala Ghat, Muslim Nagar, Pahari Mohalla and Gamhal Road. More than 200 homes have already been affected in low-lying areas.
In many houses, water has accumulated up to knee level. The city’s Koel River Front has also been submerged.
The flooding has disrupted bridge construction work going on across the river, with reports suggesting that some construction equipment may have been swept away by the strong current.
Waterlogging has also hampered traffic movement on several roads.
The impact of the flood has extended to the Kechki confluence area near the Palamu Tiger Reserve, where the inundation of eco-retreat facilities and rest houses has forced the cancellation of tourist bookings.
Authorities in Palamu have issued a high alert in vulnerable areas and are using public announcements to urge residents to stay away from rivers and ghats. Divers and emergency response teams have been deployed at sensitive locations to deal with any eventuality.
In Ramgarh district, continuous rainfall has led to a rapid rise in the Damodar river’s water level. Residents living in low-lying riverside areas have been advised to remain vigilant and be prepared to move to safer locations if required.
Officials have also appealed to people to avoid venturing near rivers, bridges, and fast-flowing streams.
Meanwhile, life has been disrupted in Ranchi and several other districts due to unrelenting rain. In Silagai village of Chanho block, the statue of freedom fighter Veer Budhu Bhagat collapsed amid the heavy downpour.
Local residents said the ground surrounding the structure had weakened because of prolonged rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for 11 districts in the state. Orange alerts have been sounded for Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga, and Gumla, while Yellow alerts are in place for Ranchi, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Khunti, and Bokaro.
According to the weather office, nearly all parts of Jharkhand recorded rainfall during the past 24 hours. Barwadih in Latehar district received the highest rainfall at 318 mm during this period.
The IMD has forecast continued heavy rainfall across most parts of the state over the next few days.
(IANS)
