NALBARI, May 16 - Massive erosion by the Pagladia river is posing serious threat to several villages in Nalbari district, as the anti-erosion work initiated by the Water Resources department is yet to be completed.
The department had initiated anti-erosion measures at an estimated cost of Rs 1.35 crore under the State Disaster Relief Fund.
Around 300 metres of the left embankment of the river has been completely eroded by the river and is now posing a threat to 20 nearby villages.
The department constructed a new embankment and used geo bags to prevent erosion. However, the monsoon is knocking at the door and the pre-monsoon rains have led to a critical situation.
When this correspondent visited the erosion site at Pub Bar Shiral village under Ghograpar revenue circle, it was seen that the anti-erosion work was progressing very slowly.
Work on setting up geo bags at vulnerable points has not yet been completed, and concrete porcupines were still lying unused at the spot.
Talking to this correspondent, the engineer at the site said that the delay in sanction for the project and continuous pre-monsoon rains have badly affected the work. However, workers at the site are trying hard to complete the anti-erosion work as soon as possible.
It may be mentioned here that massive erosion by the Pagladia and Nona rivers is posing serious threat at Narikuchi, Thanpatkuchi, Amara, Maju Shiral, Mariadanga, Sadhnapara, Akna, Nonapar, Gobradal, Samatiyapara, Bistupur and Shialmari areas.
When contacted, Nalbari Deputy Commissioner Bharat Bhushan Dev Choudhury said that he has directed all the officials concerned to complete the anti-erosion work in various places of the district.
He has also asked officials to submit plans for clearing drains and channels for the flow of storm water.
