Balurghat, Nov. 10 -- The Atreyee River, once a lifeline for thousands of people in South Dinajpur, is facing a fresh challenge as the remnants of a collapsed check dam continue to obstruct its natural flow.

Taking up the issue, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar has initiated steps to remove the broken concrete structures lying on the riverbed at Balurghat and restore the river to its normal course.

Majumdar said he had already taken up the matter with the Chief Minister and that the immediate priority was to clear the debris of the damaged structure. He also indicated that a detailed discussion with technical experts would follow before deciding on further measures.

"I have spoken to the Chief Minister regarding the matter. The broken portions of the earlier dam will first be removed from the river. Subsequently, discussions will be held with experts to determine the appropriate measures that can be taken to address the issue of the dam constructed downstream in Bangladesh," Majumdar said.

The check dam, measuring around 195 metres in length and over two metres in height, was constructed across the Atreyee at Balurghat at an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore.

It was intended to regulate water availability during the dry months and address concerns over water retention following the construction of a dam in Bangladesh.

The structure collapsed in May 2025. Since then, substantial portions of broken concrete have remained scattered across the riverbed, restricting the movement of water. The obstruction has raised concerns over the river's changing course, particularly during the monsoon. The impact has been felt in the adjoining Dakra area, where riverbank erosion and damage have caused difficulties for residents. The river is closely linked to the livelihoods of people in Balurghat and Kumarganj, particularly those dependent on agriculture and fishing.

During the dry season, large stretches of the Atreyee become almost waterless. Locals hope that removing the concrete debris will help restore its natural flow and revive the river's ecological and economic importance.

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