With the rise in the water level of the Damodar River, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Durgapur is facing severe distress. Due to continuous rain in Jharkhand and the upper catchment areas, the DVC decided to release a massive amount of water from the Maithon and Panchet reservoirs. As a result, the water level of the Damodar overnight reached near the danger mark, inundating the Huchukdanga picnic spot under Ward 38 of the Durgapur Municipal Corporation. The entire area went underwater, causing intense panic among tourists and local residents.
According to local sources, a large number of tourists visit Huchukdanga around this time every year. However, due to the sudden surge in the river's water level, the picnic cottages, open playgrounds, and children's amusement park at Huchukdanga were completely submerged. Seeing the river water rising rapidly in the dead of night, the tourists spending the night in the cottages panicked extremely. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the local administration and police were promptly informed. Upon receiving the news, a rescue team rushed to the spot and arranged to safely evacuate the stranded tourists to secure shelters. Consequently, while a major loss of life was averted, the strong current washed away valuable furniture, electronic goods, and entertainment equipment inside the cottages, causing massive financial losses.
Not just the picnic spot, but with the Damodar's water level rising in this manner, residents along the riverbanks are anxiously awaiting potential flooding in the surrounding low-lying areas. To keep the situation under control and to handle any emergencies, the Durgapur subdivision administration and the irrigation department remain on standby. The river's water level is being constantly monitored. Additionally, announcements are being made via microphones in areas near the river, warning the general public and fishermen not to enter the river and advising them to remain cautious.
