A temporary drainage channel created by the administration in response to flooding in large parts of Siliguri’s Matigara block after incessant rainfall on Sunday has eased the situation, as the stangnant water is now being released into the Balason river.
West Bengal Minister of State for Finance and Transport Anandamay Barman said that the primary reason behind the inundation was the incomplete drainage system along Asian Highway-2 (AH-2), constructed without adequate provisions for the area’s natural water flow.
“By creating a temporary drainage channel connected to the Balason River, we have been able to clear the accumulated water. However, this is only a temporary arrangement. Engineers will now work on a permanent drainage solution along AH-2 so that the highway does not obstruct the locality’s natural drainage system in future,” Barman said.
Barman, who represents the Matigara-Naxalbari Assembly constituency, said the recurring waterlogging has highlighted the urgent need for proper urban infrastructure as the area prepares for municipal status.
The West Bengal government has already announced that Matigara, a predominantly rural area that has rapidly transformed into a peri-urban township, will be upgraded into the proposed Shibmandir Municipality.
The region has witnessed rapid urbanisation around the University of North Bengal, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, several residential housing projects, and other key institutions. Large-scale infrastructure projects, including Asian Highway-2 and the upcoming elevated corridor near Darjeeling More, have further accelerated development.
“We are now waiting for the Gazette Notification for the formation of Shibmandir Municipality. Once it is issued, the delimitation process will begin and municipal wards will be created. I have also proposed extending the municipal limits up to Bagdogra Airport so that the adjoining rural areas come under the Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department for better civic services and planned development,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, with rainfall easing, the overall flood situation has improved in several areas from Sikkim to Siliguri. However, residents of Central Dooars continue to remain on edge as rivers flowing down from Bhutan remain in spate following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas, raising fears of fresh flooding.