Dhanbad: A major accident was narrowly averted at Maithon dam on Wednesday when a tourist boat carrying around a dozen passengers from Majumdar Nivas to Sabuj Deep began sinking after colliding with a submerged rock. Tajuddin, a 27-year-old speedboat operator from Babu Boat Ghat, rescued all passengers.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses reported that the boat struck a large rock mid-reservoir. The impact severely damaged the lower portion of the vessel, triggering panic among passengers as it started sinking. Tajuddin noticed the distressed vessel and immediately steered his speedboat towards it. He then rescued the stranded tourists one by one. Locals credited his courage, presence of mind, and swift response for ensuring that no lives were lost.
Declining Water Level Raises Concerns
Rajesh Sahni, 40, a boat operator, said the water level in Maithon dam has been steadily declining over the past few weeks, exposing several large rocks that pose serious hazards to navigation. Sources attributed the sharp fall in water level to the heat, water release for hydel power generation, and maintenance work being carried out by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). The receding shoreline has also affected boat operators, vendors, and others dependent on tourists.
The decline has raised concerns over the Maithon-Dhanbad water supply scheme, which serves Chirkunda, Nirsa, Kumardubi, and Govindpur areas. DVC project head Subir Saha said the situation remains under control, though municipal and industrial supplies in Jharkhand and West Bengal could be hit if the reservoir level drops below 460 feet.
