Bokaro: Continuous rainfall across parts of Jharkhand has pushed up water levels in Damodar, Garga and Usri rivers, prompting heightened vigilance in low-lying areas amid concerns of further swelling if showers continue.Damodar basin is under close watch after the water level at Tenughat Dam rose to 853 feet, or 259.99 metres, at 6 am on Wednesday, crossing its maximum conservation level of 852 feet. According to the executive engineer’s status report, the reservoir received 51 mm rainfall in the previous 24 hours. Gross storage reached 45,488 hectare-metres, while live storage stood at 29,283 hectare-metres.As the reservoir continued to rise, authorities reported a discharge of around 47,000 cusecs through the spillway. All eight radial gates are to remain open along with one under-sluice gate, reflecting the pressure being managed at the dam.The situation has led to communication with officials in Jharkhand and downstream West Bengal, including district administrations and police authorities in Bokaro and Dhanbad, for continued monitoring along downstream stretches of Damodar.At Garga Dam in Bokaro, the water level stood at 768 feet on Wednesday. Two radial gates were opened by up to six inches each in the morning to regulate the rising water, officials of Bokaro Steel Plant, which maintains the dam, said. The gate opening has raised the water level in Garga river. Authorities are monitoring the reservoir and nearby areas amid persistent rainfall.In Giridih, Usri river has also begun swelling rapidly after repeated spells of rain. Strong currents at several locations have caused concern among residents living along its banks and in nearby low-lying areas.Residents have been advised to stay away from the river and avoid areas witnessing strong currents. Parents have been urged to prevent children and youngsters from going near the river.Vikas Mahto, a resident near Damodar, said, “When the gates of Tenughat Dam are opened, people downstream naturally become worried. The administration should keep residents informed about the water release and possible risks.”
