Subarnarekha River's Erosion Threatens Villages in Balasore District

The Subarnarekha River is causing alarming erosion in Balasore district, threatening the livelihoods of residents in several villages. With significant agricultural land already lost and the risk of displacement increasing, locals are calling for immediate action from authorities. Despite previous promises for intervention, no progress has been made, raising concerns about the impending monsoon season. As the river continues to erode its banks, the situation is becoming increasingly dire, prompting urgent appeals for protective measures.
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Subarnarekha River's Erosion Threatens Villages in Balasore District

Severe Erosion Along the Subarnarekha River


The Subarnarekha River, which runs along the eastern boundary of the Baliapal block in Balasore district, is causing significant distress as its shifting course continues to erode riverbanks year after year.


Extensive agricultural land across various panchayats has already been lost due to the river's changing trajectory.


In recent years, parts of villages like Kudamansing, Manonagar, Rasulpur Nayabali, and Ikadapal have been consumed by the river.


Currently, erosion has reached dangerously close to the Panteighat area near Kulhachada village, putting residents of Kulhachada in Jamakunda panchayat and Kuhla village in Rasulpur panchayat at risk of displacement.


At present, approximately 200 meters of the Kulhachada riverbank is eroding daily, with multiple acres of farmland disappearing into the riverbed over the past six months.


If this rate of erosion continues, the Subarnarekha is expected to encroach upon the villages very soon.


Local residents attribute the increasing tidal influx from the Bay of Bengal as a factor exacerbating the erosion.


While stone pitching has been implemented near Pantei village on the eastern bank, providing some protection, the opposite bank near Kulha and Kulhachada remains unprotected, making it more susceptible to damage.


Consequently, the heavily trafficked Pantei ferry ghat, a vital transport route for thousands commuting to Bhograi block and parts of West Bengal, has become increasingly hazardous.


The original ghat is now inaccessible, forcing passengers to board boats from makeshift locations, often navigating through muddy waters, which is causing significant inconvenience.


Local residents have persistently urged the district administration and the Water Resources department for immediate intervention.


In July of the previous year, Mukul Bera, Chief Engineer and Special Secretary of the department, along with sitting MLA Subashini Jena and other senior officials, visited the site and assured prompt stone-pitching work.


However, even after a year, no soil has been laid. Residents caution that without urgent action, the situation could become dire during the monsoon season.


Meanwhile, a bridge construction over the Subarnarekha from Jamkunda lock to Pantei ghat is in progress at an estimated cost of Rs 192 crore by L&T.


However, the slow pace of work raises concerns about meeting the scheduled completion timeline. When contacted, Junior Engineer Nanigopal Sen of the Water Resources department mentioned that a Rs 3.72-crore proposal for stone pitching has been prepared and the tender process is complete.


With the monsoon season approaching, necessary emergency measures will be implemented based on the severity of the situation.


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