Fast ersion by Ganga posing threat to several villages in Bhojpur

Kumar Rajiv Nayan

Ara : Fast erosion by river Ganga is posing threat to the existence of a number of villages under Barhara and Shahpur blocks in Bhojpur district. Several villages under Barhara and Shahpur blocks had had in the past disappeared in river Ganga while many others are facing the same situation now.

The erosion at a high speed by Ganga has posed threat to the existence of Achraj Rai ka Tola village in Balawa panchayat under Barhara block as at least 10 kattha of land has already been engulfed by the river. Another village Pachra Ji Rai ka Tola may also be engulfed by the river if the erosion continues at the same speed. The residents of these villages are migrating to safer places but Bhojpur district administration has not taken any step to check erosion so far causing resentment among the villagers.

Rajesh Kumar, SDO, Flood Control, said that the district administration has planned to shift the people from the flood affected areas to safer places and arrangement for their food, fodder for animals have also been made.

Munna Singhm, a villager, said that the existence of Water Treatment plant at village Mauzampur is also in danger as Ganga is flowing just beside its boundarywall and if anti-erosion drive is not undertaken on war footing within a day or two, it may disappear in the Ganga. He added that thousands villagers under Barhara and Shahpur blocks of Bhojpur district are living under constant fear.

District Magistrate, Bhojpur, Sanjeev Kumar, on September 16, 2018, said a team of flood expert sof the state government, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineer, flood control, and other officials have already visited Mauzampur and Piparpanti villages underThe  Barahara block to review the situation. DM said erosion is going on 150m in length and 15m wide at Mauzampur and anti-erosion drive has been ordered to check it.