Malda, April 8: The irrigation department, which is in charge of anti-erosion projects in Malda district, has refused to take responsibility for flood-related disaster management this time because of the model code of conduct that will be in force almost till the monsoon.

The department has argued that the embankments can be repaired only in summer, but the model code came into force in the district on March 13 for the Kharba-byelections and has been extended till May 21, when the results of the panchayat elections are declared. Till then, no new development work can be undertaken.

“By the time the model code ends, it will be almost June, when monsoon reaches Bengal. Dry season is the ideal time for taking up repair and construction of embankments. A 20-km stretch between Manikchak and Sakullapur needs immediate attention,” said Soumen Mitra, the executive engineer of the irrigation department.

Mitra, however, added that preventive measures against floods and emergency repair of embankments could be done with permission of the election commission. “But the process is time consuming and takes at least two to three months. By that time, the model code will be over,” said Mitra. “We have already conveyed our apprehensions to the government and made it clear that we cannot take the responsibility of tackling disaster during monsoon this year.”

According to Mitra, Rs 4 crore had been sanctioned for anti-erosion work and another Rs 1.62 crore for strengthening 5km of the embankment along the Ganga at Uttar Chandipur in Bhutni. “But work cannot be started because dates for the panchayat election have already been announced.”

Mitra said huge “rain cuts”, where the soil on the embankment is washed away by the falling rain, have appeared at several places. As a result, this year’s monsoon would cause more damage and floods, he added.

Additional district magistrate Purna Chandra Sit also pleaded helplessness. “Our hands are tied,” he said.