ARUN KASHYAP/Haridwar
Erosion being caused by the Ganga river since the monsoon this year is causing anxiety among the locals in the Shyampur area of Haridwar district. The embankments along the river are damaged, which the locals state is a cause for concern. The erosion caused by the flow of the river is reported to have reached near the Namami Gange Ghat in Shyampur. Locals opine that the Ghat could be washed away in the coming days if necessary action is not taken soon.
According to those living in the area, the Shyampur area has witnessed considerable erosion along the Ganga this year. The erosion which began in the monsoon is still continuing in some patches. Several metres of land has been eroded by the strong current of the river in various places. The wire-mesh crates and embankments which had protected the area from floodwaters have been broken and washed away in places. The local residents claim that this is the first time they are witnessing such a situation here. They further state that various construction works along the Ganga have been affected by the erosion but the department concerned has not taken necessary measures so far. With various residential constructions coming up along the Ganga in Shyampur, the official apathy could result in a bigger problem in the future. The Irrigation department’s executive engineer in Haridwar, Omjee Gupta said that permanent embankments will be constructed in the Shyampur area on the lines of the embankments constructed in the Khanpur and Bhogpur areas.
The Haridwar Roorkee Development Authority vice chairperson Sonika said that with this issue being brought to her notice, a team from the authority will be sent to the location. Necessary action will be taken as per the rules, she added.
