East Burdwan, 19 July (H.S.): Incessant rainfall over the past few days, combined with water release from various barrages, has caused a sudden rise in the water levels of the Bhagirathi and Ajay rivers. The impact has been severe in parts of Katwa in West Bengal and neighboring villages in the Nadia district.

Water began entering the villages of Daranipara in Panuahat (Katwa) and Noyachar in Nadia on Thursday night. Streets in these villages are now submerged, with water reaching waist level, cutting off all connectivity. Agricultural fields have also been flooded. Currently, most of the farmland is now under water.

Though the river water levels are still below the official danger mark, the situation remains highly tense. In Katwa town, areas such as Katgola Para, Harisabha Para, and the cremation ground have seen both a rise in water levels and an increase in current velocity. Residents of river-adjacent wards 8, 9, and 10 are living in fear.

Due to the rising water, the floating jetty at Shankhai Ferry Ghat has had to be relocated twice. Katwa Municipality Chairman Samir Saha said that the administration is closely monitoring the situation.

Several riverbank areas in Katwa town are now waterlogged, with knee-deep water reported in some localities. The confluence area near Shankhai Ferry Ghat and Khalpara, where the Bhagirathi and Ajay rivers meet, is completely submerged. Both the Shankhai and Ballavpara ferry ghats are now underwater.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey