Jalpaiguri, 09th August: The Irrigation Department has announced plans to construct a dam on the Karala River to address the persistent flooding in Jalpaiguri’s municipal areas. The project, which will span from Shantipara to Paresh Mitra Colony in Ward 25, has been allocated a budget of Rs 1.15 crore.
The existing dam has proven insufficient, causing river overflows during monsoons. The new dam, covering about half a kilometer, is set to elevate the structure, providing a permanent solution.
Chief Engineer Krishnaendu Bhowmik stated that Rs 34.57 lakh will be used this financial year, with the remainder in the next. Construction is slated to start before the Puja season.
The Karala River, often called the “Thames of Jalpaiguri,” frequently floods areas like Boyelkhana Bazar. Residents, who have long sought a lasting fix, are hopeful this new dam will finally end their yearly ordeal.