Kolkata: The terms of reference and composition
of the 'Flood Control Commission' in West Bengal were on Monday
discussed at length amidst the state government's demand for
tripartite talks with Centre and Jharkhand Government to
remove anomalies in releasing water from the reservoirs of
DVC to prevent flood in the state.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, irrigation minister
Manas Bhuniya said that a comprehensive plan could alone
prevent flood and drought in the state permanently.
"Flood Control Commission and Drought Control Commission
are the two wings to implement Chief Minister Mamata
Banerjee's programme under 'Jal Bharo Jal Dharo' or preserve
water for its scientific use", Bhuniya said.
Stating the utilisation of surface water was not done
properly in last 34 years, Bhuniya said that the erstwhile
LF Government only had taken up some palliative measures, as
there was no permanent cure to protect the state from flood
and drought.
"Nearly 37,660 sq. km. out of 78,752 sq. km. area in the
state is flood-prone", the minister said adding that proper
hydrological study of the Ganga, Padma and Bhagirathi was yet
to done in the state.
The River Research Institute in the state could also be
put to use to bring out a remedy, besides making a study on
river movement, Bhuniya said.
The issue of Subarnarekha Barriage was also discussed in
another meeting.
The Flood Control Commission would examine the causes of
floods in the state and evolve various structural and
non-structural measures to manage the floods and harness
excess flood discharge, Bhuniya said.
The commission, chaired by the minister, would finally
submit its report to the government within three months making
its detailed study on the Terms of Reference, which included,
among other things, flood control, measures to check river and
sea erosion, flood protection measures relating to river
embankments, flood management programme, river conservation
and inter-linking of rivers.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, August 02, 2011, 00:01