Malda, May 13 -- Border security and river erosion have emerged as two major concerns in Malda, with the newly formed BJP government initiating fresh action on both fronts. Residents of the district's border villages have welcomed the state government's decision to complete land acquisition within 45 days for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border, while BJP leaders simultaneously visited erosion-hit areas of Manikchak to assess the worsening situation there.

Large stretches of the international border in Malda, particularly in Habibpur, Kaliachak and Baishnabnagar areas, still remain without barbed-wire fencing. According to administrative sources, nearly 31.55 kilometres of the district's land border are unfenced, leaving several villages vulnerable to infiltration, smuggling and crop theft.

Villagers of Jotkuber in Habibpur's Dhumpur Gram Panchayat said they have suffered for years due to the open border. "Bangladeshi miscreants frequently enter Indian villages through the unfenced stretches. There have been incidents of theft and looting at night," alleged local farmer Shibnarayan Chowdhury. Another resident, Kamal Baskey, said villagers are now willing to cooperate fully with the administration. "We are ready to give our land for fencing work. Earlier, the process remained incomplete despite promises," he claimed.

Similar concerns were raised in Sukdebpur under Baishnabnagar Police Station, where residents alleged that Bangladeshi intruders often enter Indian farmland and cut crops. Villagers believe fencing will help curb infiltration and cross-border crime. "We support the government's decision to speed up land acquisition and fencing," said farmer Suresh Chowdhury.

The issue gained prominence after clashes reportedly broke out in January 2025 near Sukdebpur over fencing and crop-cutting disputes. At the time, then Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari had visited the area and promised fencing work if the BJP came to power.

At the same time, BJP leaders from Manikchak visited erosion-prone areas of Gopalpur and Dharamapur following directions from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and the local MLA, Gour Chandra Mondal. The team interacted with affected residents and reviewed the current erosion situation along the riverbank.

Local residents hope the government's renewed focus on both border fencing and anti-erosion measures will finally bring long-awaited relief to Malda's vulnerable villages.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.