Threat of Erosion Increases Along with Declining Water Levels of Rivers in Baisi: Villagers Concerned Due to Receding Water of Mahananda, Kankai, and Parman; Demand Protective Measures from Administration
The water levels of the major rivers flowing through the Baisi sub-divisional region of Purnia district—Mahananda, Kankai, and Parman—have been recording a continuous decline over the past few days. Usually, the recession of flood water is seen as a relief, but for the Baisi region, this situation has brought a new disaster. Along with the receding water levels, severe river erosion has started in many rural areas, robbing the residents of coastal regions of their sleep. Fertile agricultural land and many dwellings have reached the verge of being swallowed by the swift currents of the rivers. Through this detailed report, let us understand this new crisis arising in the Baisi region, the problems of the villagers, and the administrative preparations.
Continuous Decline in Water Levels of Mahananda, Kankai, and Parman Rivers
After the cessation of rain in the catchment areas of Nepal and North Bengal, the water levels of these three major rivers passing through the Baisi region have dropped significantly.
Water Below Danger Mark: The waters of the Mahananda, Kankai, and Parman rivers, which remained in spate for the past few weeks, are now gradually returning to their normal levels. While the drop in water levels has averted the threat of floods in low-lying areas on one hand, the changing pattern of water behavior has posed a new challenge for the coastal regions on the other hand.
Swift Current and Water Pull: Experts believe that when rivers are in spate, they carry a huge amount of soil and silt with them. However, when the water level drops suddenly, the pressure and pull of water toward the banks weaken the shores, causing the soil to subside.
Many Rural Areas Caught in Erosion: Threat of Becoming Homeless Looms Over People
Several panchayats and villages of the Baisi subdivision have come directly under the grip of this terrible river erosion these days.
Erosion of Fertile Lands: In villages situated along the banks of the Mahananda and Kankai rivers, fertile fields and orchards are rapidly getting submerged into the river as the water level recedes. Months of hard work and capital of farmers are falling prey to the river in a matter of moments.
Crisis Looming Over Dwellings: At many places, the situation has become so grim that the riverbank has come extremely close to the houses of the villagers. People are being forced to dismantle their own homes and shift their belongings to safe places to save their dwellings.
Villagers' Concern and Questions on Administrative Laxity
Deep anger and concern toward the administration are being witnessed among local villagers struggling with this serious problem of erosion.
Troubles Increased Instead of Relief: Villagers say that while lives are somehow saved during floods, erosion after the water recedes proves to be even more dangerous. Every year, their lands are eroded by the river in this manner, but a permanent solution is never found.
Demand for a Permanent Solution: Farmers and intellectuals of the area have demanded that anti-erosion works such as nylon crating, bamboo-bally piling, and boulder pitching should be carried out by the Water Resources Department at sensitive points in a timely manner so that valuable lands and settlements can be saved.
Need for Administrative Vigilance and Departmental Initiative
In view of the seriousness of the matter, prompt action is expected from administrative officials at the local level.
Assessment of Damage: Local public representatives and officials of the circle office are visiting the erosion-affected areas to take stock of the loss.
Emergency Steps: The Water Resources Department has been directed to immediately send sandbags and other protective materials to affected and hyper-sensitive places to try and halt the erosion, preventing the situation from worsening further.
Although the decline in water levels of the Mahananda, Kankai, and Parman rivers in Baisi may sound like a relief, the severe erosion that has begun alongside it has become a major crisis for the villagers. If effective and permanent anti-erosion measures are not implemented in time, hundreds of families will reach the verge of becoming homeless and landless.
