BALURGHAT, July 27 -- Balurghat MLA Bidyut Kumar Roy visited the erosion-hit embankment along the Atreyee River in Balurghat to assess the progress of ongoing protection work. Temporary anti-erosion measures began on Thursday, with workers currently placing bamboo cages filled with protective materials into the river. However, the work is still at an early stage, with only a limited number of cages installed so far.
During the visit, the MLA held discussions with officials of the Irrigation Department and urged them to expedite the work to safeguard the vulnerable stretch. He also called for a permanent solution by relocating the embankment to a safer location further away from the present alignment.
Alleging that the embankment was constructed using substandard materials during the previous Trinamool Congress government's tenure, Roy said the issue had been raised in the West Bengal Assembly. "A permanent solution is essential. The existing embankment should be shifted closer to the border at a safer location. This will not only prevent future erosion but also benefit local fishermen. Residents are living under constant fear as their houses could collapse at any time," he said.
Irrigation Department officials, however, said the erosion site has developed a deep cavity beneath the riverbed, making it difficult to undertake permanent repairs during the monsoon.
They said bamboo cages are being transported and placed by boat as a temporary measure due to deep water and adverse conditions. Officials added that permanent concrete protection work will be taken up after the monsoon when the river's water level recedes, while ensuring that the ongoing work continues without interruption.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.