July 24, 2024
Sharmila Sarkar’s Zero Hour mention on constructing embankments in her constituency of Purba Bardhaman so that people’s lives and livelihoods are not affected by riverbank erosion
Thank you Madam for giving me the opportunity to speak for my constituency on this esteemed platform. I would like to thank the people of my Constituency for sending me here to speak for them. River bank erosion along the Ganga poses a significant challenge in various regions of West Bengal, particularly in Purba Bardhaman district. Areas such as Katwa, Agradip, Krishnapur, Palashi, Pila, Patuli, Jhaudanga, Majida, Dangapara and Kalinagar of Purbasthali Dakshin are severely affected by this erosion. It is deeply concerning that the river has encroached 100 meters of railway tracks near Jauidanga of Samudragarh. Erosion has already led to the engulfment of schools, bridges, markets, buildings, and even cremation grounds. The effects of erosion are profound. It often forces communities to relocate, disrupting their livelihood and causing socio-economic instability. Bardhaman Purba heavily relies on agriculture but erosion leads to the loss of fertile land, impacting crop production and food security. The erosion is damaging roads, bridges, and thus disrupting transportation networks and increasing maintenance costs for local authorities. It has also a huge social and psychological impact. Affected communities experience stress and uncertainty about their future. Displaced families may struggle with integration leading to loss of cultural ties. To address these challenges, Government and local authorities may implement measures such as embankments, afforestation and early warning systems. However, effective solutions require integrated planning and community engagement. I urge your kind attention, Madam, to prioritize long-term strategies such as constructing embankments. Anyway, the affected people of Bardhaman Purba are hopeful that the issue will be taken seriously by the authority concerned so that we will be able to sleep at night peacefully. Thank you.
