New steps to curb Malda erosion

Statesman News Service

MALDA, 21 JUNE: In a recent letter to the Union finance minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the south Malda MP Mr AH Khan Choudhury, has urged him to allot funds to check erosion on the banks of the Ganges from Dhulian in Murshidabad to Rajmahal, covering the areas of Manikchak block in Malda district under his parliamentary constituency. He requested the Union minister to sanction the fund in the next budget to be placed in the Parliament.

Mr Khan Choudhury said the Farakka Barrage Project, a central government unit, which is in charge of executing all the anti-erosional works here, is unable to carry out its responsibilities properly due to lack of staff.

"I will talk to the higher authorities about these problems," he said.

To serve the interest of the people in Malda, the south Malda MP, has also sent 14 points charter of demand to the union railway minister Ms Mamata Banerjee, a few days ago. Mr Khan Choudhury has demanded two inter-city express trains from Malda town station.

According to him, an inter-city express from Malda to New Jalpaiguri is absolutely essential, considering long awaiting demands of the people here along with another inter-city express from Malda to Sealdah.

Apart from this, Mr Khan Choudhury asked for a direct connecting train between Malda and New Delhi and another direct train from Malda to Ajmir Sarif.

Mr Khan Choudhury demanded the renovation of Khaltipur station in Kaliachak, with computerised reservation counter and stoppage of some important trains.

He claimed that the Khaltipur station will be more viable commercially because many people from Kaliachak area either have to come to Malda town station or New Farakka station to travel by a train.

Mr Khan Choudhury also demanded electricity in rail-routes up to Malda town station so that locomotives can run with the help of electricity.

Presently locomotives which run on diesel, can not run fast, the south Malda MP admitted.

Speaking to The Statesman he also expressed his desire to be a member in Dr Manmohan Singh government's cabinet. “We have placed our demands to appropriate authorities. I am hopeful that they will look into the matter but every thing is depending on the high command and party”, Mr Khan Choudhury said.