Nod for Fulohar anti-erosion work

Statesman News Service

MALDA, 23 SEPT: The chief engineers’ committee of irrigation and waterways department has approved a ‘permanent’ anti-erosion project on the left bank of the river Fulohar at Bhaluka Bazaar in Harishchandrapur.

The executive engineer of irrigation division in Malda, Mr S Misra will submit the project to the district magistrate tomorrow for its further progress and sanctioning of funds from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

The district administration had asked the irrigation department to prepare a project for anti-erosion work and assured that funds would be allotted from RIDF (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund) which is contolled by NABARD.

The irrigation division in Malda had estimated Rs. 9.85 crore for the anti-erosion project and had sent for the chief engineer's approval on first week of September.

Mr S Misra said: “Now we have to wait for the final approval of funds from NABARD. If NABARD gives their nod in early 2010, we will be able to meet the project before monsoon”.

Mr Misra said: “There is no fear of flood in Ganga belt now. But the situation will remain a bit dicey along the Fulohar till the end of September. Heavy rain in north Bengal or adjoining Bihar area may come on the last day of September.”

According to him, a 350 metre long guard wall on the bank of Fulohar at Bhaluka Bazaar for protecting the villages from flood water is almost complete.

The irrigation officials were in tension when the water level of the river had gone over 26 metre from 25.75 metre a few days ago.

"But the water level is now receding. Today's water level is 26.10 metre below the danger mark. There is no flood fear due to erosion until the water level rises above 28 metres,” said Mr Misra. A few gram panchayats of Harishchandrapur and Ratua blocks were inundated when flood waters from the Fulohar destroyed its two embankments and a guard wall at Bhaluka Bazaar during mid-August.