Durgapur Barrage

In the night 23 November 2017, the 1st lock gate of the Durgapur Barrage was opened for some time to let the water out. After the completion of the work the gate were being lowered when the gate got tilted and was bent. The entire water from the reservoir kept flowing out and it triggered massive water crisis as the entire Durgapur city, its large scale industries and the farm areas till the Bardhaman district are solely dependent on this single water source. The news of the tragedy was conveyed to all next morning, which caused much concern among everyone in the city. The mayor of Durgapur urged for immediate action from Government of West Bengal following which Govt. of West Bengal sent a team of engineers to resolve the issue. Massive water scarcity had hit the Durgapur city and its adjoining areas. Electricity production was hampered. All the water contained in the reservoir was emptied and then the engineers worked all day and night and after few days the glitch was fixed by choking the lock gate region. Waters from Maithon and Panchet dams were released to fill the reservoir for supply of water. For permanent solution a new lock gate was required to be installed. To accomplish the task the engineers again wanted to empty the reservoir and later fill it up with waters from Maithon and Panchet dams yet again. This time Maithon dam expressed its inability to do so because sufficient amount of water was not available to them too. Following this a floating platform was brought to Durgapur. Using that floating platform, the lock gate was permanently fixed in phase wise manner.^[10]

The incident forced authorities to look for an alternative water source for supply of water in wake of such circumstances. Considerations are being made. A water body called Nachan Dam was selected for this purpose. Its viability and efficiency of water supply is currently being examined.^[11]

On October 31, 2020, the 31st gate of the barrage got bent because of pressure exerted by water, leading to a massive water outflow.^[12] The officials of West Burdwan and Bankura administration worry that the incident could trigger a scarcity of drinking water in both districts due to the unavailability of water in the upper catchment area.^[12] The superintendent engineer of Damodar irrigation circle is hopeful to repair or replace the gate within 48 hours as they need the upper catchment area dry to carry out the work.^[13]

• Water Resources Information System of India
• Durgapur Barrage on Google Video