Fresh erosion in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Aug 28: Massive erosion on the left bank of the Ganga since last night has gobbled up three villages in Manikchak block, rendering hundreds of families homeless. Residents of Lochontola, Bechutola and Chhakkutola villages have lost their houses and properties owing to the Ganga's fury. The river has eaten up its banks in the three villages and gobbled up a large number of houses. Villagers alleged that the block officials have so far not extended any help to them. "The roads have been eroded away in the three villages. As a result, we are finding it difficult to shift to safer places," they said. Eyewitnesses said that more than 100 houses were eroded away and rest damaged in the three villages.In a bid to avoid law and order problem, the Malda superintendent of police, Mr DK Mondal, has instructed the Manikchak block officials to help the villagers in shifting to safer places. It may be recalled that a few weeks ago, more than 30 houses were eroded away at Bechutola near Domhat area in Manikchak block. The irrigation officials had forecast that nearly eight km area in the up stream from Manickchak Ghaat to Khaskol including the mid point stretching Jothpatta and Domhat is vulnerable to erosion due to meandering trend of the Ganges."The water level in the Ganges would continue to rise in the second week of September," said Mr S Misra, the executive engineer of Malda irrigation department. Since the FBP has taken the responsibility to check erosion on the left bank of the Ganges in Malda district, the Malda irrigation officials are snot visiting the erosion-hit areas to assess losses.