KMC to take up river bank erosion issue with Kolkata Port

Kolkata: In the wake of rapid erosion of the banks of Hooghly River in the city, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is planning to hold a meeting with the Kolkata Port authorities to chalk out a solution.

Mayor Firhad Hakim in recent times has often expressed concerns over the rapid rate of erosion of the banks in the city. He is learnt to have told the media that the Municipal Commissioner has written to the Kolkata Port authorities regarding the same. Rathendra Raman, chairman, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata is learnt to have agreed to attend a scheduled meeting on the issue.

Hakim said that the state has also informed the Centre about the problem and opined that unless dredging is done the river could change its course. He claimed that heavy silt deposition towards Howrah side is causing erosion of the banks towards Kolkata. The Mayor said dredging is also required in Farakka.

He said the KMC is helpless since there is no provision under the KMC Act enabling the civic body to deal with the bank erosion issue since most of these banks are under the Kolkata Port. Hence, a meeting with the port authorities is crucial.

Ahead of Durga Puja idol immersion, the Mayor had gone for an inspection at the Nimtala Ghat. He had then said the river is changing its course which is of concern. Rapid bank erosion has gripped the stretch from Ratan Babu Ghat to Palta. He added that talks are afoot with Kolkata Port authorities for conservation of the ghats.