Statesman News Service
MALDA, July 8: A large section of crop-land at Jotepatta is worn out, due to severe erosion on the left bank of the Ganges, this morning.A part of the protection work subsided due to erosion at Domhat, villagers claimed. This has triggered panic among the residents of Jotepatta and adjoining villages, including Manikchak, where erosion affected the work adversely. Erosion on the bank of Ganges in Manikchak continues unabated from Friday due to the sudden release of flood waters. The Malda irrigation department has already struck a note of warning in unprotected areas by the Ganges, including the Southern part and Fulohar, the northern part. The water level of the Ganges has been rising steadily, today but thankfully, it is well below the danger mark- 25.29 metres at Manikchak, according to the irrigation department.“In the next two-three days, when the water level starts receding, the problem will be worse in the Manikchak area”, said Mr S Misra, the executive engineer of Malda irrigation division. At present, villages like Jotepatta, Bechutola and Madantola, have been badly hit by erosion, affecting around 32 families.Two water level measuring posts for Ganges were washed away at Domhat, irrigation engineers said. Yesterday, the irrigation department set up another water level measuring post there.Anticipating more erosion, villagers have started demolishing their own houses to save what is left.“Villagers are looking for land in near by areas for temporary shelter”, political leaders said, alleging that “officials have not turned up to extend help to the victims”. The Malda SDO, Ms Arunima De said: “We are in touch with the Manikchak block development officer for updated and detailed reports of the damage so that we can provide assistance to the victims as and when required”
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