SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE FLOW OF THE GANGA, A PLEA TO SAVE JAWANIA VILLAGE

SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE FLOW OF THE GANGA, A PLEA TO SAVE JAWANIA VILLAGE

4-SEP-ENG 14

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------The pain of leaving the birthplace of ancestors is unbearable; settlements have been completely destroyed, sand spread and second floods have changed the nature of the land.

The change in the course of the Ganga river in the geographical perspective of Shahpur block cum region of Bhojpur district has generated widespread concern. Local MLA Rahul Tiwari mentioned the change in the course of the river citing satellite images and maps. Primary observations show that the Ganga river has turned from the traditional route and adopted a new route, which has directly affected the flow of Jawania and surrounding areas.

The Jawania erosion incident is a matter of serious concern for the district. Shahpur MLA Rahul Tiwari said that we have talked to Bhojpur District Magistrate Tanay Sultania in this matter and the District Magistrate has assured to take joint action in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh government.

MLA Rahul Tiwari said that first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the difference between satellite imagery and survey. Satellite images show that the Ganga river has shifted from its traditional course towards Jawania; while this change was not recorded so clearly in the internal survey. Such inconsistency creates confusion in administrative measures and policy decisions. The MLA said that he has written a letter to the Prime Minister and is demanding concrete arrangements from the Chief Minister of the state Nitish Kumar so that the interests of the affected people can be protected. The MLA said that this sensitive social question will be placed in the upcoming program of the Chief Minister.

The MLA also pointed out that concrete diagnosis and redressal of the problem is not possible without departmental experts. Experienced engineers of the Water Resources Department should come to the spot and inspect the causes of erosion. Despite the complexity of the situation, the absence of technical experts shows the lack of government. Taking immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety of local people and regional stability should be the priority of the government/administration.

The MLA said that there is a complex issue of land rights and compensation regarding the life, property and geographical displacement problems of the people of Jawania. Villagers allege that some OBC and general category people are being left out in the land records and rules and many families have not received proper compensation or rehabilitation. People of all classes are affected in this terrible disaster. The pain of leaving the ancestral land is unbearable; settlements have been completely destroyed, sand spread and second flood have changed the nature of the land.

They demand that a transparent compensation policy and rehabilitation plan be implemented. It is also necessary that records are maintained and land related claims are rationally re-evaluated so that no class is treated unfairly and all the deprived get justice.