BALURGHAT, Aug. 4 -- In a significant move aimed at improving local water management and flood control infrastructure, the state Irrigation Department has officially commenced long-awaited renovation and maintenance work on the Atreyee River sluice gate in Balurghat.

The project comes after sustained effort and direct initiative by Bidyut Kumar Roy, the MLA of Balurghat, who spearheaded the demand for the repair and structural overhaul of the critical watergate facility.

The sluice gate along the Atreyee River serves as a crucial line of defence against monsoon flooding while regulating the water supply required for local agricultural lands. Over time, wear and tear had reduced its operational efficiency, raising concerns among nearby residents and farming communities.

Addressing reporters, local MLA Bidyut Kumar Roy stressed the urgency of the restoration and outlined his commitment to resolving the long-standing infrastructure bottleneck: "The proper functioning of the Atreyee River sluice gate is vital for the safety, livelihood and agricultural health of Balurghat. For a long time, local residents and farmers faced severe difficulties during heavy rains due to inadequate water management.

Recognising the severity of the situation, I raised this issue with the relevant authorities to ensure the renovation work was prioritised without delay. I am pleased that the Irrigation Department has taken swift action and we will closely monitor the progress to ensure high-quality execution before the peak monsoon season."

Technical teams from the Irrigation Department have already been deployed to the site. The scope of work involves repairing mechanical lifting components, removing silt and structural obstructions, and reinforcing the sluice gates to better manage water release and retention.

Residents and agricultural unions in Balurghat have welcomed the commencement of the project, expressing optimism that the initiative led by their local representative will protect agricultural fields from seasonal inundation and bring long-term water security

to the region.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.