Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Dredging Begins on Teesta Mahananda Link Canal for Water Supply
Imagine a canal that carries water like a highway for boats.
Because of a big flood, a lot of dirt and mud (silt) got into this water highway, making it harder for water to flow.
The government is now removing this dirt to make the canal deeper.
This will help farmers get water for their crops and ensure the water plant in Siliguri has enough water.
Also, the dredging will help run small power plants that need water.
The dirt that's taken out will be sold as building materials.
Dredging of the Teesta Mahananda Link Canal (TMLC) has commenced.
The dredging aims to increase the canal's water-holding capacity due to silt deposits from the October 2023 GLOF.
The canal provides water to agricultural lands and the Siliguri Municipal Corporation's water treatment plant.
The dredging will benefit three micro hydroelectric projects by ensuring a steady water supply.
The extracted silt, consisting of sand and pebbles, will be sold as construction material, generating revenue for the state government.
- Who
- The state irrigation department.
- What
- Dredging of the Teesta Mahananda Link Canal (TMLC).
- When
- Ongoing, initiated due to lack of rainfall.
- Where
- Teesta Mahananda Link Canal in North Bengal.
- Why
- To increase the canal's water-holding capacity and ensure water supply for agriculture, water treatment, and hydroelectric projects.
- Canal
- Teesta Mahananda Link Canal (TMLC)
- Location
- North Bengal
- Purpose
- Increase water-holding capacity
- Cause of Silt
- Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023
- Beneficiaries
- Agriculture, Siliguri Municipal Corporation, Micro Hydroelectric Projects
- Silt Composition
- Sand and Pebbles
- Agency Conducting Work
- West Bengal Mineral Development & Trading Corporation Limited