Archive · 17 Nov 2025
River Chungpatang's Course Shift Sparks Flood Fears in Jalpaiguri
A river in India called Chungpatang has moved much closer to where people live after a big flood.
Now, it's only a few feet away from homes and a tea garden.
About 12,000 people are worried that the river could flood their homes and farms, especially when the rainy season comes again next year.
They are asking for a special wall, called an embankment, to be built to keep the river in its place and protect them.
Local leaders have promised to look into the problem and tell the government so that something can be done to keep everyone safe.
Chungpatang river, originating in Bhutan, has dramatically shifted its course closer to human settlements in Jalpaiguri district after a flood on October 5.
Residents fear future inundation as the river is now only about five feet away from villages like Caron Tea Garden, Premnagar, Bargach, Khapra, and Madras Busti.
Approximately 12,000 people are at risk of flooding, with around 25 hectares of farmland already lost to the river.
Villagers staged a protest demanding the construction of an embankment to protect their homes and livelihoods from future floods, especially before the next monsoon.
Local authorities have acknowledged the situation and plan to assess the area and take necessary protective measures with the district administration and irrigation department.
- Who
- Residents of Caron Tea Garden and surrounding villages, gram panchayat member Sunita Oraon, Nagrakata panchayat samiti president Sanjay Kujur, Jalpaiguri zilla parishad sabhadhipati Krishna Roy Barman
- What
- The river Chungpatang has changed its course, moving much closer to human settlements, sparking fears of future flooding.
- When
- Following a flood on October 5, with concerns growing ahead of the next monsoon. A protest was held on Sunday.
- Where
- Chungpatang river, near Caron Tea Garden in the Nagrakata block of Jalpaiguri district, India.
- Why
- A flood on October 5 altered the river's course, bringing it dangerously close to villages and tea gardens, leading residents to fear inundation.
- River
- Chungpatang
- Location
- Caron tea garden, Nagrakata block, Jalpaiguri district
- Affected Population
- Approximately 12,000 people in Caron Tea Garden and four nearby villages
- Cause of Change
- Flood on October 5
- Previous Distance from Villages
- 1 km
- Current Distance from Villages
- Approximately 5 feet
- Land Lost to River
- Around 25 hectares of farmland