Embankment work initiated to save Balurghat’s Dangi Forest

BALURGHAT: The state Irrigation department has initiated works to construct an embankment along the Atreyee River near Dangi Forest in Balurghat. The decision comes as the riverbank erosion threatens the forest, with several trees already collapsing into the river.

According to local sources, Dangi Forest has been experiencing erosion for years, with its trees and land gradually disappearing. This has raised serious concerns among residents and environmentalists. Despite repeated incidents of riverbank collapse, no embankment work was undertaken in the past, leading to frustration among locals.

Assistant Engineer Ankur Mishra from the Irrigation department’s Balurghat division stated: “After being informed about the issues at Dangi Forest, we have started preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to construct the embankment.”

Neelima Barman, head of Bhatpara Gram Panchayat, under which the forest falls, said: “Every year, parts of the riverbank collapse, causing trees to fall into the river. We had informed the administration about the urgency of the matter. This embankment will help save the forest.”

The forest, located just 5 km from Balurghat, is known for its lush greenery and serves as a popular picnic spot. However, continuous erosion is reducing the forest’s size, posing a threat to its biodiversity. Locals, such as Bijay Barman, have expressed concerns over the dwindling number of trees, saying: “The forest once had an abundance of trees. Now, many are gone due to erosion.”

Environmentalists have also urged authorities to expedite the embankment work, fearing further loss of the forest’s ecosystem. Notably, the site once saw plans for an eco-tourism park but the increasing erosion stalled such initiatives. With the forest’s survival at stake, the proposed embankment project is seen as a crucial step to protect this natural resource from further destruction.