The advancing erosion along the Hooghly River’s banks in Kolkata has raised alarms, prompting the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust to initiate crucial shore protection work. Following a meeting with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Mayor Firhad Hakim confirmed that the Port Trust is actively addressing the issue. The erosion at key locations such as Nimtala Ghat, Ratan Babu Ghat, and Ahiritola Ghat, has left the river encroaching dangerously close to the land. With the river eating into the soil, this issue is becoming a serious threat to both the environment and the surrounding infrastructure.
The Port Trust, which is responsible for safeguarding Kolkata’s riverfront, has engaged IIT Kharagpur to study the extent of the damage. Their report will guide the shore protection work that is expected to commence soon. “We are committed to resolving this issue,” said Mayor Hakim, emphasising the need for immediate action. The 1.1-kilometre stretch in Jorabagan, which includes high-risk areas like Nimtala Ghat, will be the focal point of the protection project. This stretch has seen significant erosion, and it is imperative that the authorities take measures to stabilise the riverbank and prevent further land loss.
In a recent survey of the Hooghly’s riverbanks between Bagbazar and Burrabazar, alarming images were captured of trees precariously leaning over the water, their roots exposed due to washed-away soil. Concrete barriers, which were once protective, are now submerged, offering no defence against the relentless river. As reported earlier, local warehouse owners and residents had resorted to filling the eroded areas with concrete waste and other debris, creating a temporary barrier against the river’s encroachment. However, these makeshift solutions are neither sustainable nor effective in the long run.
The Port Trust’s intervention comes at a critical juncture, with ongoing discussions also focusing on other urban issues. The KMC has called for improvements in drainage systems in the port area and urged the Port Trust to expand parking facilities along Strand Road. Additionally, there were talks of repairs to over 30 roads maintained by the Port Trust, which are expected to be completed by April 2025. This strategic alignment of infrastructure projects is pivotal not just for immediate urban needs but also for the long-term sustainability of Kolkata’s riverfront.
In terms of sustainability, this effort to strengthen the Hooghly’s banks is vital. Erosion, if left unchecked, can lead to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity along the riverbanks, affecting both wildlife and local communities. The planned shore protection work, guided by the IIT report, will ensure that the river’s natural course is managed responsibly, preserving both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of people living in the affected areas. The project’s success will also set a precedent for other Indian cities with riverside communities facing similar challenges.
