Bhagalpur: Severe riverbank erosion along the Ganga has continued in the Raghopur area of Navagachhia in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district, with a large portion of a nearly 100-year-old Chaiti Durga temple and a Hanuman temple being washed away into the river.
The sites where the temples once stood are now being covered by the flowing waters of the Ganga.
A video of the incident has also surfaced, showing a portion of one of the temple structures collapsing and disappearing into the fast-flowing river within seconds.
Bhagalpur DM inspects erosion-hit Raghopur
Following reports of erosion along the Ganga, Bhagalpur District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey visited Raghopur on Tuesday to assess the situation.
The District Magistrate inspected the affected areas and sought information from officials about the extent of erosion, families at risk and the relief and rescue arrangements in place.
Pandey directed officials to maintain continuous monitoring of the situation and shift affected residents to safer locations whenever required.
Villagers worried as erosion moves closer to homes
The fast current of the Ganga has led to a continuing expansion of the erosion-hit area in Raghopur, increasing concerns among residents living along the riverbank over the safety of their homes and land.
Local resident Sunil Mandal said that if the erosion continues at the current pace, several more houses and important local sites could come under threat.
Families whose houses are located close to the river or in erosion-prone areas are particularly concerned about the possibility of losing their homes and land.
The administration has been urging residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer and higher ground. Local authorities are also alerting people about the potential risks.
Administration steps up monitoring and relief preparations
With the Ganga continuing to exert pressure on the riverbank and its fast current worsening erosion, administrative teams are maintaining surveillance of the affected areas.
Officials are assessing the extent of erosion and monitoring relief and rescue preparations to ensure that affected residents do not face further difficulties.
The administration has made shifting vulnerable residents to safe locations a priority in view of the continuing erosion.
District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey said affected residents are being moved to safer and higher areas. She added that people whose houses fall within erosion-prone areas are also being advised to relocate to safer places.
The administration is continuously monitoring the situation, assessing erosion and relief and rescue operations, and will take further action depending on the ground situation.
