Parts of Malda and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal state have witnessed terrific Ganga erosion causing severe disturbances and threats to lives. Homes, trees, farming lands, domestic animals, gardens and so on have been washed away into the river due to this ongoing erosion in the banks of Ganga. It has been almost a month that the erosion started in Vaishabnagar of Malda and Samserganj of Murshidabad districts which are among the most affected. Nearly 100 homes have been wiped out which has left almost 500 families helpless without the basic needs of life.
These places have decades-long history of erosion due to natural and man-made reasons causing loss of lives and property. Every rainy season witnesses, more or less, erosion in these areas, but this year the record is most severe. Such intense and speedy erosion in the area has caused panic among thousands of people. Some are so much disturbed that they started breaking down their homes to save the most they can. People build houses to live in peace, but this cruel and unfortunate act has compelled people to leave it taking almost nothing with them.
In this hour of crises, the affected are in severe need of basic needs. People are expecting support to handle this dark hour which is yet to happen. Like elsewhere, some good people are trying to help within their reach. But, as the scale of loss and suffering is very large and severe, the sum of efforts and contribution is still very little for this horrible juncture. In this circumstance, helping hands from all social, political and administrative strata are the need of this hour. The Media has a huge role to play to highlight the issue. But it is very unfortunate to note that under coverage in mainstream media of this crisis is very disappointing.
There is nothing but hope that the Governments will take necessary steps without any delay. Since this Ganga erosion takes place every year Government’s intervention to do something will be fruitful. It is worth registering as a national problem. It is hereby the kind attention of the state and central governments are drawn to consider over it and do the needful earliest possible.