CHAMPAKNAGAR:Residents and traders along the banks of the Howrah river in Champaknagar, under Jirania sub-division, have raised serious allegations against local administration over shoddy erosion-control work meant to protect their homes and shops from being swallowed by the river.
The government had sanctioned boulder-placement work along the riverbank to check erosion after homes and business establishments in the area began sinking gradually into the river. However, once work commenced, locals allege it was carried out in a completely unscientific and substandard manner. Despite repeated complaints, residents claim the Jirania Sub-Divisional Magistrate and the SDO of PWD failed to take any action.
Adding to their grievances, families who have already lost property to the river’s encroachment say they are yet to receive even minimal government compensation.
Locals further alleged that the poor quality of work may point to the involvement of an illegal syndicate operating alongside the administration. Speaking to the media, affected residents and traders demanded that authorities ensure the work is redone properly and that the government honour its earlier commitment to effectively curb river erosion in the area.