West Bengal seeks IIT Madras, Netherlands aid to combat Ganga erosion, World Bank offers support

The erosion of the Ganga River has become a pressing issue in West Bengal, affecting both rural and urban areas. In recent years, this problem has intensified, with significant erosion taking place along the riverbanks, particularly in the Gangasagar region and parts of Kolkata. To address the growing crisis, the state government has turned to IIT Madras and experts from the Netherlands for technical assistance. This collaboration aims to bring in advanced methods to curb the erosion and protect the coastline. The government is also preparing for the upcoming Sagar Mela by implementing both immediate and long-term plans. The World Bank has shown interest in providing financial and technical support to this effort, emphasizing the scale of the project.

The erosion is not only a threat to the environment but also to local communities and the economy. Gangasagar and the larger Sundarbans area, which are vital to the region's ecological balance, are facing the brunt of the damage. In response, the state government is devising long-term strategies to protect these areas. Specialist engineers and environmental experts will be consulted to develop an effective approach, including constructing protective embankments and restoring the natural flow of the river. Minister of Irrigation, Manas Bhunia, has underscored the urgency of the situation, stressing the need for comprehensive planning to mitigate the ongoing erosion and prevent further damage.

In a recent high-level meeting regarding the preparations for the Sagar Mela, Minister Bhunia expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in addressing the erosion. He criticized the Irrigation Department for not involving expert consultation earlier, which could have helped prevent the escalation of the problem. He pointed out that the situation had become critical, and immediate action was necessary to safeguard the region. The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Bankim Hazra, the Minister of Sundarbans Development, Nilima Vishal Mistry, the District President of South 24 Parganas, and other district officials. They discussed the implementation of the proposed solutions and the coordination required to ensure the protection of both the Gangasagar region and the broader Sundarbans area.

Locally, the erosion has created significant concerns, particularly around the Kapilmuni Ashram, which is a key religious site for locals. Business owners near the riverbank have expressed growing anxiety, fearing that their properties will be lost as the Ganga continues to advance. Ashram caretakers are equally worried, as the erosion has come alarmingly close to the site, with predictions that the Ashram could be submerged in the next two years if the erosion persists at its current rate. Local residents have voiced their fears that their livelihoods will be severely affected by the continued erosion, which threatens not only their homes but also the cultural and religious significance of the area.