Posted on December 17, 2024
Jalpaiguri: Macintosh Burn, a state government-run company, has expressed interest in dredging the Teesta River. Two months ago, the North-East Division of the Irrigation department submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the State Irrigation department for dredging a 32-kilometre stretch of the river, from Sevoke to Bokali in Maynaguri. However, no decision has been made yet. Despite this, Macintosh Burn has informed the department of its willingness to take on the project.
Krishnendu Bhowmik, Chief Engineer of the North-East Division, said: “Several organisations have expressed interest in dredging the Teesta. We have communicated this matter to the state.”
Macintosh Burn has also formally notified the Irrigation department of its willingness to undertake the project.
The need for dredging has become urgent following last year’s Sikkim lake disaster, which caused a large accumulation of sand in the Teesta. The DPR estimates 7.13 million tonnes of sand accumulated in the river and dredging the 32-kilometre stretch is expected to cost Rs 567 crore. The project includes dredging at over 20 locations to extract medium and fine-grained sand.
The proposed dredging sites include Sevoke’s lowlands, Odlabari, Tot Gaon, Changmari, Laltangbasti, Milanpalli, Biren Basti, Paharpur, Basusuba, Domhani, Premganj and Bokali. The plan suggests dredging a 400-metre-wide area to a depth of 2.5 feet. Gravel and boulders may also be found in some parts of the river.
However, the dredging area is extensive and includes bridges, forests and settlements, requiring careful handling. Experts believe that the riverbed has risen due to sand accumulation and without dredging before the next monsoon, the Teesta could face serious consequences.
Additionally, the river has changed course in several areas, leading to increased erosion. While some sandbanks were washed away this monsoon, the riverbed remains elevated in most areas. Experts stress that dredging is crucial to address these issues.
The Irrigation department is considering collaboration with the state Mines and Minerals department to fund the dredging. Meanwhile, Macintosh Burn has offered to carry out the project and manage the sale of the extracted sand.
