TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP Mausam Noor, who throughout zero hour raised points confronted in West Bengal attributable to erosion brought on by rivers, spoke to Sourav Roy Barman
How large is the issue?
This is a significant problem in Malda, significantly the areas by way of which the Ganga flows. The individuals of the area have been struggling for ages and we’ve been requesting the Union Ministry of Water Resources to take remedial measures. During monsoons, lakhs of persons are displaced yearly attributable to floods within the area which submerge homes, farms and orchards.
Have you raised this matter earlier than?
I’ve raised it a number of occasions earlier than, each inside and outdoors Parliament. I raised it even once I was a Lok Sabha MP. I met officers on the ministry in addition to the Farakka Barrage, beneath whose preview the affected areas come. But to no avail.
How many individuals are affected because of the erosion and floods?
The numbers are in lakhs. And individuals from backward communities are disproportionately affected by the problem because the low-lying areas which can be flooded and being washed away are inhabited by the financially weak. At least 4 to 5 blocks are majorly affected. The home of a former BJP MLA of the world was additionally washed away just a few years again.
What is the state authorities doing?
The state authorities has restricted powers on this case because the affected areas come beneath the direct purview of Farakka Barrage, which comes beneath the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India. But it does as a lot as it could possibly when it comes to offering aid. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised the matter not too long ago as effectively, calling for a everlasting answer.
What is usually a answer?
I really feel an embankment is usually a everlasting answer. Because an embankment helped forestall floods to some extent within the case of Mahananda, which additionally flows by way of the area
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
