Krishnanagar, June 26: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) initiated the restoration of the Jalangi river stream in Krishnanagar in Nadia on Tuesday by removing the concrete blocks and sludge from the riverbed that throttled the flow due construction of a new bridge over it. This action came in response to demands from local fishermen and environmental organizations who have been advocating for the revival of this vital river, which serves as a lifeline for many people in the district.
The Jalangi River course connects the Bhagirathi River and eventually flows into the Hooghly River downstream. However, it had been partially blocked by the NHAI during the construction of a new bridge known as “Dwijendralal Setu.” This bridge was part of the widening project for National Highway 12 (NH12) between Krishnanagar and Baro-Jagulia. Unfortunately, this construction activity disrupted the natural flow of the Jalangi River.
The NHAI had entrusted Gurugram-based KCC Buildcon Private Limited with the four-laning project for the 64 km stretch of NH12. This project included the construction of the bridge over the Jalangi River. During the construction process, the agency used concrete blocks and approximately 23,000 cubic meters of earth to fill the riverbed. This hindered the river’s flow, making it possible to position cranes on the riverbed to launch concrete girders onto the bridge piers.
Although the bridge was completed and the road widened for vehicular traffic a few months ago, the river stream remained throttled. This situation posed a serious livelihood crisis for the thousands of people who depend on fishing and live alongside the river.
In response to mounting pressure from local communities, voluntary organizations like Jalangi Nadi Samaj and Anjana Nadi Bachao Committee joined the movement to restore the river. Finally, in late June, after NHAI officials were gheraoed (surrounded) by members of Jalangi Nadia Samaj, talks were initiated.
Following a physical inspection of the troubled river stream, the NHAI issued a written undertaking to begin restoration work immediately. Earth Removers were engaged to clear the riverbed up to a depth of 20 feet, ensuring that the removed earth and debris would not be dumped adjacent to the riverbank.
Amitabha Sengupta of Jalangi Nadi Samaj emphasized that they would closely monitor the restoration work alongside the fishermen. He expressed frustration that the NHAI’s construction agency had initially neglected to clear the blockade after completing the bridge construction. NH Krishnanagar Project Director Amit Kumar Singh acknowledged that the agency violated the River Act and the Aquatic Bio-Diversity Act. According to the work order, “As per the work order, it was the agency’s responsibility to restore the river bed for the sake of river flow and for securing the livelihood of the river-dependent community. The restoration work should have been done at least three months ago”, Singh said.
A senior NHAI official also said that the agency’s final bill will be kept pending until the restoration of the river flow is done.
Fisherman Kamal Halder, a participant in the movement, expressed, “This is a significant achievement for us. Over the past three years, many fishermen have made sacrifices in the name of development work. Unfortunately, the government-engaged agencies have shown little empathy toward our plight. Hence, we embarked on a different battle to achieve our goal”