Bengal working on permanent solution for riverbank erosion: CM

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said his government was working on a permanent solution to the recurring problem of riverbank erosion and had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking additional funds.

Several districts of the state have been affected by floods, waterlogging and riverbank erosion following heavy rainfall and the release of water by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).

Malda erosion remains a recurring problem

"There are two separate incidents. One concerns erosion, specifically in the Manikchak and Ratua areas of Malda, which occurs annually. This erosion is a major problem for which we are seeking a permanent solution," Adhikari told reporters here on Friday.

He said the state was preparing a long-term plan in coordination with the governments of Bihar and Jharkhand and with the help of experts from IIT-Kanpur.

Malda has been particularly affected by erosion along the Ganga and Fulhar rivers, with Ratua, Manikchak and Kaliachak among the worst-hit areas.

Centre to provide around Rs 500 crore

Adhikari said the state had submitted a proposal for a major project to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, but the Centre had indicated that it would not be able to provide the entire amount sought for this year.

"They will be providing a fund of approximately Rs 500 crore. But to complete this, we need more money," he said.

"We will utilise some money from the Calamity Relief Fund, state fund, and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). I have personally written to the Union home minister for some funds from that," he said.

Expert panel to work on erosion control

Adhikari said an expert committee would be constituted to work on the erosion problem, while technical assistance would be sought from IIT-Kanpur and the Jal Shakti Ministry.

He said the chief secretary has also been asked to organise a coordination meeting involving representatives of Bihar and Jharkhand.

Adhikari said the measures were expected to start showing results within a year, with a permanent solution targeted within two years.