West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal on Sunday conducted an aerial survey of erosion-affected areas of Malda district and said that the Ganga has shifted its course over the past 50 years.
After conducting an aerial survey of areas in Bhutni and Ratua in Malda district, Agarwal expressed concern over the changing course of the Ganga and the potential consequences of its possible confluence with the Fulhar.
He said the situation along the Fulhar and Kosi rivers was also assessed during the survey.
"I cannot solve this problem alone. We have come to assess the situation. There is no shortage of funds. It is possible to undertake erosion-control measures in coordination with Jharkhand and Bihar and with everyone's consent," Agarwal said.
He said that a meeting on the issue was scheduled to be held in Delhi on October 27.
Large parts of Malda district, particularly Bhutni in Manikchak, English Bazar, Ratua and Kaliachak-III blocks, are affected by annual riverbank erosion caused by the Ganga.
The erosion has repeatedly engulfed residential areas and agricultural land, forcing people living along the riverbanks to bear the brunt of the destruction.
Many people were affected by floods and erosion in the district this year, district officials said.
The Ganga's changing course and the possibility of its confluence with the Fulhar have raised fresh concerns about the risk of flooding and the long-term safety of vulnerable areas.