Malda, Sept. 23 -- Severe erosion along the Ganga has put the historic Kamaltipur Jama Masjid in Manikchak at serious risk, with the river advancing rapidly over the past two days. Agricultural land, trees, bamboo groves and houses have disappeared into the river.
The erosion reportedly began around 8am on Monday, with the situation worsening rapidly thereafter. More than 10 families have dismantled their houses and shifted elsewhere, fearing that the river could swallow their homes next.
"We have never seen the river advance so quickly. Land, trees and houses are disappearing before our eyes. We had no choice but to dismantle our house and move," said a local resident, Abdul Karim. The mosque, which attracted visitors from across the country after going viral last year, is now surrounded by erosion on three sides. Locals fear that without immediate intervention, the structure could also be lost to the Ganga. Last year the mosque had faced similar problems. However as it survived, a video had gone viral on social media.
"Last year, thousands of people came here to see the mosque. We are worried about whether it will survive this time. The administration must immediately start erosion-control work," said another resident, Morjina Bibi.
Former gram panchayat member Ayub Ali said the mosque had received attention from the concerned department last year. "This mosque is linked to the emotions and memories of thousands of people. We are deeply worried by the present situation. Immediate steps are needed to save it," he said, urging Manikchak MLA Gour Chandra Mondal to initiate erosion-control measures.
Displaced families have also sought immediate government rehabilitation and relief from the administration. They alleged that although promises of land and houses have been made to erosion victims elsewhere, adequate assistance has not
reached Kamaltipur.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.