Kolkata Mayor announces immediate action on Ganga erosion, restoration work to begin soon

Erosion along the banks of the Ganga in Kolkata has become a major concern, with several key ghats experiencing significant damage. Notably, Nimtala Ghat has seen a collapse of part of its structure, while Ma’s Ghat is facing shifting soil, leading to a dangerous retreat of the riverbanks. The erosion problem has worsened due to a change in the river's current, influenced by the accumulation of silt near Howrah. This shift in the Ganga’s flow has intensified the erosion process along the Kolkata riverfront, with fears that areas like Nimtala, Bagbazar, and other northern ghats may soon be severely affected.

The Kolkata Port Trust has agreed to take urgent action to address the erosion. A high-level meeting confirmed that immediate restoration efforts will begin at the most affected ghats. These measures will include stabilizing the riverbanks through soil protection and reinforcing the affected areas to prevent further collapse. Work will focus on the stretch from Howrah Bridge to Babughat. The Kolkata Port Trust has issued a tender for the project, with IIT Kharagpur selected to carry out the restoration work. The team from IIT Kharagpur will conduct a detailed survey and implement the technical solutions to stabilize the riverbanks.

The change in the river's current has been attributed to the significant silt deposition in the Howrah area, which has altered the flow patterns of the Ganga. As a result, the river’s increased pressure on the Kolkata riverfront has led to greater erosion, particularly during the monsoon season when the current is stronger. Mayor Firhad Hakim has warned that this situation could further jeopardize the structural integrity of the riverbanks if immediate steps are not taken.

In addition to the repair of the ghats, the restoration efforts will include the preservation of key cultural landmarks located along the river, such as the Samadhi of Rabindranath Tagore at Nimtala Ghat. Given the critical nature of these sites, the government has prioritized their protection as part of the broader riverbank restoration project. The Port Trust and IIT Kharagpur will collaborate on these efforts, with a focus on securing the long-term stability of the Ganga’s riverbanks in Kolkata.