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Rising Ganga Threatens Bhutni Embankment Amid Renewed Fulhar Erosion
Water in the Ganga River is rising near Bhutni in Malda.
At the same time, the Fulhar River is washing away parts of its bank.
A protective embankment has already been damaged near Aladitola.
This embankment helps protect many people living on Bhutni island from flooding.
Officials say the water may rise even more during the next two days.
Residents are worried because the area recently suffered a major flood.
The Irrigation department is working quickly to stop the erosion.
Local people, however, question whether the protection work will last.
They want a stronger and permanent answer to the repeated river damage.
The Ganga rose from 24.39 metres to 24.55 metres at Manikchak Ghat within a day.
Severe erosion along the Fulhar River washed away part of the ring embankment at Aladitola.
Nearly one kilometre of the riverbank has been affected, raising fears of another flood in Bhutni.
Officials said the Ganga could cross the danger mark as river discharge increases over the next two days.
The Irrigation department has begun urgent erosion-control work, while residents seek a permanent solution.
- Who
- Residents of Bhutni, the Irrigation department, local officials and Manikchak MLA Gour Chandra Mondal.
- What
- Rising Ganga levels and severe Fulhar erosion have damaged part of Bhutni’s ring embankment.
- Where
- At Aladitola in North Chandipur, within the Manikchak area of Malda, West Bengal.
- When
- The erosion intensified on Thursday, while officials warned that water levels could rise over the following two days.
- Why
- Increased river discharge linked to rainfall and flows from the Gandak and Kosi systems is raising water levels and worsening erosion.
Residents’ Concerns
Officials’ Response
Quality of protection work
Residents’ Concerns
Residents question the quality and durability of the current erosion-control measures and demand a permanent solution.
Officials’ Response
Irrigation officials say their immediate priority is to stop the erosion and protect the vulnerable part of the ring embankment.
Long-term solution
Residents’ Concerns
Residents fear continued erosion could damage a larger section of the embankment and cause another flood.
Officials’ Response
MLA Gour Chandra Mondal said the department is working urgently and that experts from IITs have taken initiatives toward a permanent solution.
Key facts
- Ganga level Wednesday
- 24.39 metres at Manikchak Ghat at 3 p.m.
- Ganga level Thursday
- 24.55 metres at Manikchak Ghat at 3 p.m.
- Affected stretch
- Nearly one kilometre near the river embankment
- Recent flood
- A breach on September 3 left large parts of Bhutni inundated for more than 15 days.
- Current response
- The Irrigation department has launched erosion-control work on a war footing.
- Potential risk
- The Ganga may cross the danger mark at Manikchak Ghat.
Quotes
Gour Chandra Mondal
Manikchak legislator commenting on erosion and efforts to protect Bhutni
“Erosion has started at several places in Bhutni following the recession of the Ganga waters. The Irrigation department is working with considerable urgency to check the erosion. Experts from IITs had also visited the affected areas and have taken initiatives to find a permanent solution to the problem. We hope the issue will be resolved in the days ahead,”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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