Malda's Mahenandatola Devastated by River Erosion, Families Demolishing Their Own Homes in Panic

**Malda:** The Ganges has taken a terrifying form as the water level rises. Since morning, extensive erosion has begun in the Jitutola and Muniram Tola areas of Mahenandatola in Malda's Ratua block. One after another, homes are being submerged in the river's embrace. The intensity of the erosion has increased to such an extent that many families are demolishing their own homes in panic and moving to safer places.

Local residents complain that every year during the monsoon, they have to face devastation due to the river's erosion. Homes, land, and homesteads disappear into the river right before their eyes. This year, with the rising water level, new erosion has begun again. As a result, people in the area are spending their days in fear of losing their roofs overnight.

Residents further complain that as soon as erosion begins, political leaders and administrative officials come to the area to inspect the situation. However, even after the inspection, no effective measures are taken to permanently stop the erosion. They allege that despite the same problem recurring year after year, a permanent solution has not been found.

Currently, many families are demolishing their homes to save themselves from the river's terrifying grasp, moving essential belongings elsewhere. This has created an atmosphere of panic throughout the area.

Locals demand that effective measures be taken quickly to stop the erosion and that rehabilitation arrangements be made for the affected families. They fear that if the administration does not take prompt action, many more homes and homesteads will be swallowed by the river in the coming days.