Statesman News Service
MALDA, March 30: More than 1500 erosion victims from Manikchak Block , who were rendered homeless and lost farm lands due to Ganges fury in the last 10 years, appeared before the Lok Adalat conducted by four honourable judges from Calcutta High Court on the premises of Malda College today.Hundreds of women whose husbands and male family members have gone to other states in search of jobs as daily labourers also appeared before the Lok Adalat today. Four judges from the Calcutta High Court, Mr Justice KJ Sengupta, Ms Justice Indira Banerjee, Mr Justice Partha Sakha Datta and Mr Justice Prasenjit Mandal conducted the Lok Adalat at 10 am today.The additional advocate general Mr Nishith Adhikari was also present here today to monitor the overall functioning of the Lok Adalat.The district magistrate, the district judge, the superintendent of police, the additional district magistrate (general), the chief medical officer of health, district land and land reforms officer and district inspector of schools and other officials were present to give required clarifications based on the statement of the erosion victims.The judges asked about the present condition of erosion victims and try to realise the plight of the erosion victims in various aspects.“The judges asked when and how we had lost our home and crop lands ...how many crop lands we had ... what I am doing...where we live now ... number of family members ... how we earn livelihood at present “, said Mr. Amzad Sheikh , Gubi Bewa and other victims who appeared before the Lok Adalat.The judges tried to observe what basic amenities including health and education the erosion victims can avail while living in a makeshift arrangement near the embankment.The district magistrate Mr CR Das said that the administration would carry out the order from this Lok Adalat after verifying the list of erosion victims prepared by the district administration for compensation based on the government order issued in 2003.According to the district magistrate, a total of 2755 people were identified as erosion victims in Manikchak Block. A total of 1.37 crore was allotted for them. Of 2755, the administration had distributed Rs 5,000 each among 1030 erosion victims in Manikchak.A total of 25 victims will be getting compensation for buying land for home soon.It may be noted that the state had allotted Rs 3 crore to compensate at least 6000 families identified as erosion victim in Malda district.A total of 6130 people, under the leadership of local citizen body, had appealed to the Malda district court in November 2006 demanding compensation and rehabilitation.Considering their plea the legal aid services took initiative to draw the attention of Calcutta High Court.It is learnt that a similar Lok Adalat will be held soon for rest of the victims of Kaliachak II Block area on the left bank of the river Ganges.Yesterday, the four judges held a meeting with the district administrative officials and asked them what steps they had taken for the erosion victims earlier.The team of judges will give judgment after returning to Kolkata. The copy of the order will be sent to the victim, the state government and district administration soon. The state as well as the district administration will have to carry out the order within the stipulated time according to the Lok Adalat order. #
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