Boulders, sandbags guard against riverbank erosion in Serampore
The Statesman | 11 October 2025The erosion was first detected around four years ago, with signs including the collapse of river ghats and cracks developing in residential buildings along the riverbank — clear indicators of a slow yet progressive degradation. However, the recent heavy downpours caused by frequent low-pressure formations have alarmingly increased the river’s water volume and intensified the current, washing away large chunks of alluvial soil along the banks. Cracks have now appeared on the roads running parallel to the Hooghly river along this entire stretch.
Recently, a large crack appeared on an important road near Mahesh, Nehru Nagar Colony, where a major section of the road has caved in. The erosion is particularly alarming in Serampore Municipal Ward 18, where the strong river current has breached parts of the riverbank. Locals have expressed panic, fearing that the turbulent water could soon enter residential areas.
However, initial preventive measures were undertaken on the 26th of last month, when boulders and sandbags were placed along the affected areas.
Serampore Municipality chairman Giridhari Shaw said that an emergency meeting was held at the Serampore SDO office in the presence of district magistrate Mukta Arya to address the alarming situation at Nehru Nagar Colony. The Serampore MP, Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Dr Sudipto Roy were also informed about the issue.
State irrigation and waterways minister-in-charge Manas Bhunia was apprised of the situation. “We are thankful for the joint efforts of the district administration, the Serampore MP and MLA, and the special initiative of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Considering the urgency, the irrigation and waterways department has stepped in from today to implement long-term preventive measures to stop the advancing riverbank erosion at Nehru Nagar Colony,” Mr Shaw said.
Although the high tide and increased river volume due to frequent rainfall have made the work difficult, efforts are underway.
Ward 18 councillor Ashim Pandit said that a massive wooden plank retaining wall is being erected along the most affected 750-foot stretch of the riverbank. A thick bed of sand will be laid between the riverbank road edge and the wooden protective wall to prevent further soil collapse. Once the work is completed — expected within a month — the municipality will repair the badly damaged roads and reopen them for public use.
Local residents of Ward 18 have expressed deep appreciation for the prompt steps taken by the district administration and the irrigation and waterways department. Residents Sayan Banerjee, Subhod Kar, and others said, “We were extremely anxious about the advancing riverbank erosion at Nehru Nagar Colony and feared that our homes might also be engulfed by the strong current. But now, with the preventive measures underway, we feel much safer.”
