Malda, Sept. 14 -- Shockingly enough, amidst deaths in Malda due to swelling river water, more than 100 students are reportedly risking their lives by crossing the Mahananda River in small and medium-sized boats without life jackets to attend schools in Old Malda municipality area, even as the river continues to maintain a high water level during the monsoon.
The students, mainly from Narhatta Gram Panchayat under English Bazar block, travel between Tekra Ghat and Lolabagh Ghat in Ward 5 of Old Malda Municipality. They attend schools including Kalachand High School, Ahladamoni Girls' High School and Shakmohan Primary School. Local residents said the boat journey takes around 15 minutes, while travelling by road takes nearly an hour and involves additional expenses.
According to the flood data recorded at 12 noon on September 14, the Mahananda at English Bazar was at 20.00 metres and steady. The danger level (DL) is 21.00 metres, while the extreme danger level (EDL) is 21.75 metres. The Ganga at Manikchak Ghat stood at 25.93 metres and was steady, against a DL of 24.69 metres and EDL of 25.30 metres showing slow retreat.
Residents alleged that boats are operating by charging Rs 5 to Rs 10 per passenger without adequate safety arrangements.
Shakmohan Primary School headmaster Mridul Bhattacharya said: "Most of our students cross the river by boat to attend school. Their safety must be given top priority. Mechanised boats and life jackets should be provided immediately."
Malda MLA Gopal Chandra Saha said: "It is extremely dangerous that students are being forced to risk their lives while crossing the ghat. I will discuss the matter with the administration and seek necessary safety measures."
He also questioned the current legal status of the ghat, saying it was earlier operated through Malda Zilla Parishad tender but had not been tendered for a long period.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.