Ganga poses flood threat

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 18: The water level of Ganges has gradually been rising at Manikchak in Malda following heavy downpour in north Bihar. In case of further rain, the water level of the Ganges may cross the danger mark and affect the left bankline, irrigation officials said today. It was learnt that the flood control cell recorded a water level of 23.10 metres in the Ganges today. A further escalation in water level, it is feared, may cause situation to get out of control in Manikchak, English Bazaar and Kaliachak II areas. These comprise regions where the Ganges is steadily changing its course from western side to the eastern side. Irrigation officials said that the state parliamentary affairs minister, Mr Sailen Sarkar, has approached the Farakka Barrage Project authorities to take up pre-cautionary schemes on the left bank of the Ganges, stretching 40 kms up stream. After visiting the vulnerable zones on the left bank of the Ganges yesterday, Mr Sarkar convened a meeting with all state and central officials, including local MLAs.Mr Sarkar pointed out that the FBP authorities had initiated only two anti-erosion projects on the left bank of the Ganges at Panchanandapur and Shimultala. Defending themselves, the FBP representatives stated that the main reason behind this was the paucity of funds and adequate manpower. The FBP general manager, Mr MU Gani, informed that they would now take up schemes only after authorities concerned agree to allot sufficient funds for the projects. The FBP is carrying out anti-erosion work on a 1.5 km stretch in Panchanandapur, for which it was allotted Rs 14 Crore.The FBP authorities had claimed that this ongoing anti-erosion project would prove instrumental in saving land and property on the left bank of the Ganges.