Political

Scientific dredging of the Durgapur Barrage will start soon, Lakshman met Minister of Jal Shakti

• By MONAJ SINGHA
• August 12, 2026
• 418

Scientific dredging operations at the Durgapur Barrage are set to commence very soon, Lakshman Chandra Ghorui, the MLA for Durgapur West, met with the Hon'ble Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, in Delhi today to discuss the matter in detail. Extensive discussions were held with the Union Minister for Jal Shakti regarding the current water crisis in Durgapur and the need for growing industrialization in the city and its surrounding areas. In an interview Lakshman Chandra Ghorui, the MLA for Durgapur West, said The water crisis emerging across Durgapur is a matter of grave concern. On one hand, it is essential to ensure an adequate and uninterrupted supply of drinking water for the daily lives of the general public. On the other, the rapid expansion of new industries and infrastructure in Durgapur will also necessitate vast quantities of water in the future. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a long-term plan immediately to find a permanent solution to this problem. In this context, one of the key measures to ensure water security for Durgapur could be the proper and scientific dredging of the Damodar Barrage. Prolonged siltation has been disrupting the barrage's water storage capacity and the natural flow of water.

Enhancing the barrage's water-retention capacity and operational efficiency through regular and necessary dredging would strengthen the water supply system for the greater industrial region, including Durgapur. Particularly at a time of rapid industrial expansion, an integrated water management plan—one that looks beyond temporary solutions to address future needs—is crucial.

Emphasis has been placed on making the Damodar River and barrage system more effective by balancing the needs of the general public regarding drinking water, agriculture, industry, and the environment. These critical issues concerning the people of Durgapur have been brought to the attention of the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, with a request for prompt and effective action regarding the proper dredging of the Damodar barrage, increasing its water-holding capacity, and developing the necessary infrastructure to meet future water demands.

Coordinated initiatives by the relevant departments of both the Central and State governments are essential to ensure a permanent solution to this problem and guarantee future water security for the industrial region, in the interest of the people of Durgapur. I hope that prompt, positive measures will be taken based on these discussions.

It is reported that the Honorable Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patel, has assured Lakshman Chandra Ghorui, the MLA for Durgapur West, that he will take urgent measures regarding scientific dredging of the Durgapur Barrage on the Damodar River aims to clear hardened silt shoals, restore the reservoir's balancing capacity, and prevent downstream monsoon floods.