Ministry: Farakka Barrage always remains open from July-Oct

The Ministry of Water Resources has said the gates of Farakka Barrage remains open from July to October every year as part of the regular management.

The ministry cleared all the confusions regarding India's position about Farakka Barrage, a press release said on Tuesday.

The statement said: “Different media agencies reported that Farakka Barrage gates were opened by India as to increase the possibility of flood, particularly in Bangladesh.

“However, the fact is that gates of Farakka Barrage are kept open and is set to remain so, from July to October every year as part of the regular management.” 

It further said the water level is rising again in both sides of Ganga and Padma basins due to heavy downpour triggered by depression in the last few days, increasing the possibility of an upcoming flood situation in upstream and downstream areas of India and Bangladesh.

Local administrations, officials and employees of Water Development Board, and district water resources management committees have been asked to stay alert to face any kind of flood situation.

Preparations have also been taken to face flood situation and river erosion in the districts close to Padma river basin and all other districts, the press statement said.