Malda, Sept. 3 -- The flood threat returned to Bhutni in Malda's Manikchak on Thursday after two ring embankments gave way under the pressure of the swelling Ganga. The situation triggered panic among residents and fears of a repeat of the floods witnessed over the past two years.

The first breach occurred at Kesarpur Kalutantola early Thursday morning when around 20 metres of the old ring embankment collapsed. Ganga water began gushing through the breach towards the unprotected areas of Bhutni. Soon after, a newly constructed temporary ring embankment nearby also collapsed under the force of the water, allowing floodwater to move towards the protected areas.

The development came despite repeated assurances by Manikchak BJP MLA Gour Chandra Mondal that Bhutni would be protected from flooding this year. Mondal visited Kesarpur Colony late on Wednesday night and inspected the vulnerable stretches.

"We will not allow the people of Bhutni to suffer because of the flood. I have directed the irrigation department officials to work on a war footing to prevent further erosion and strengthen the embankment," Mondal said.

He added: "A new ring embankment will be constructed wherever necessary so that water cannot enter the protected area and create a flood situation this year. We are monitoring the situation."

The district administration said it had intensified its flood and erosion response. Minister of State for Irrigation Joyel Murmu, District Magistrate Rajanvir Singh Kapur and Superintendent of Police Anupam Singh inspected project sites and block offices.

The old embankment was reportedly built with Rs 16 crore, while the temporary structure was constructed at a cost of several lakh rupees. According to the administration, measures include relief distribution, flood shelters, cooked food, drinking water, medical camps, generators, boats and warning systems. At Kataha Diara, cooked meals and relief materials are being distributed. Emergency protection works are continuing in Ratua-I and Manikchak using sandbags and porcupine structures. At Kesarpur, dwarf-wall strengthening is underway.

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