Erosion in Malda continues

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 14: Owing to the ‘heavy’ fluctuation of water levels of the Ganges and Fulohar, a large part of land was eroded away at Domhat in Manikchak block partially damaging the ‘permanent’ anti erosion work , irrigation officials said today.Abandoned homestead lands of 30 families near Domhat were eroded away increasing the number of erosion victims from 100 to 130 in Manikchak block area. Fearing fresh erosion, at least 30 families had demolished their homes and shifted to other areas a few days ago.The local CPI (M) MLA Mrs Asima Choudhury visited the place and informed authorities about the ‘damaged’ condition of anti erosion work carried out by the Farakka Barrage authorities.According to the Malda irrigation executive engineer, the water level of the Ganges is rising steadily following rain fall in the catchments of Sone, Gandak, Ghagra and Buri Ganga connected with the Ganges. The water level of the Ganges will continue rising for two more days. Explaining the heavy fluctuating trend of two rivers, the executive engineer Mr S Misra said: “The water level of the Ganges was recorded at 24.75 metre on 9 July evening and it came down to 24.10 metres on 12 July. But from yesterday to 12 pm today the water level has touched 24.63 metres again”. “Similarly, the water level of the Fulohar , which is connected with the Ganges and its confluence point is located at Manikchak Ghaat , was 26.15 metres on Friday but it was recorded at 27.56 metres today”, he added. “Heavy fluctuation of water level was the chief cause of yesterday's erosion”, claimed Mr S Misra.A few villages located in low lying areas on the banks of the Fulohar have been inundated since yesterday. The district has opened the flood control cell to monitor the water level of three main rivers including the Mahananda for flood management.