Mousuni Island in South 24 Parganas is facing a heightened flood risk after approximately 250 metres of river embankment was damaged across two areas during high tide and low-pressure conditions, according to a report by Sanmarg. Temporary piling work is under way to prevent further erosion and water ingress.
The damage has been reported in the Baliyara-Soltagheri and Poylagheri areas of Mousuni Island, under Namkhana block. Around 200 metres of embankment has been damaged in Baliyara-Soltagheri, while another section measuring about 50 metres has broken at Poylagheri, the report said.
Local residents have expressed concern that rising water levels could worsen the situation. They told Sanmarg that the full-moon tide could raise sea and river levels further on Friday night. If strong waves push water through the damaged sections, both localities could face flooding.
Authorities are currently carrying out piling work as a temporary measure to check erosion and restrict water from entering through the breached sections. The report did not specify the length of the temporary works, the agencies supervising them or the estimated cost of permanent repairs.
Residents said the embankment had remained in poor condition for a long time and had broken repeatedly. They have called for a permanent embankment rather than recurring temporary repairs, arguing that continued erosion could allow water to enter residential areas at night and make the situation more difficult to manage.
The newly elected MLA has visited the affected areas to assess the condition of the embankment and, according to local residents, assured them that a permanent embankment would be built. The residents have urged the administration to begin the work quickly.
The immediate concern is whether the temporary piling can withstand stronger tidal flows while the damaged sections remain vulnerable. The administration is continuing efforts to control erosion, while residents are seeking a durable embankment solution for both affected areas.
