Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Ganga Erosion Sweeps Away Houses and Schools in Malda
The Ganga River rose in Malda, West Bengal, and began washing away parts of the riverbank.
The worst damage happened in Jitutola and Muliramtola in Ratua-I.
At least 20 houses were destroyed, although the report headline says 22.
One primary school disappeared into the river, and another was badly damaged.
Roads, trees, electricity poles and other structures were also lost.
People moved their furniture and valuables to safer places.
Water from upper areas, including through the Gandak and Kosi rivers, helped raise the Ganga’s level.
Officials fear the erosion may continue toward Manikchak and English Bazar if the water keeps rising.
Fresh erosion along the Ganga’s left bank affected Ratua-I in Malda on Wednesday.
The report headline cites 22 houses, while the article says at least 20 houses were swept away.
Jitutola Primary School was completely eroded, and much of Muliramtola Primary School was lost.
The Ganga at Manikchak Ghat measured 24.39 metres at 3 p.m., with the level still rising.
Residents moved belongings from homes and temples as officials warned erosion could spread downstream.
- Who
- Residents of Jitutola and Muliramtola, along with local irrigation officials and the administration, were affected or involved.
- What
- Riverbank erosion swept away houses, two primary schools and other structures along the Ganga.
- When
- The erosion intensified sharply on Wednesday after beginning on Monday.
- Where
- Jitutola and Muliramtola under Mahanandatola gram panchayat in Ratua-I, Malda, West Bengal.
- Why
- The Ganga’s water level was rising, partly because of water released from upper catchment areas through the Gandak and Kosi rivers.
- Reported house losses
- The headline says 22 houses; the article says at least 20 houses were eroded away.
- Schools affected
- Jitutola Primary School was completely eroded, while much of Muliramtola Primary School was lost.
- Ganga level
- The river measured 24.39 metres at Manikchak Ghat at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
- Affected area
- Jitutola and Muliramtola in Ratua-I’s Mahanandatola gram panchayat.
- Other damage
- Trees, roads, electricity poles, homes and parts of religious sites were affected.
- Potential spread
- Officials warned erosion could intensify downstream toward Manikchak and English Bazar.