Riverbed encroachment in Kosi region continues

Madhepura: Existing and creeping settlements in and around the catchment areas of rivers meandering across the Kosi region is a matter of grave concern.
The rivers, which once used to be a major source of livelihood for fishermen because of good availability of fish, have now almost dried up due to encroachments.
Sources in the district administration said network of rivers were crucial as it helped in easy exit of flood water during monsoon and minimised loss to life and property."The apathy of the water resources department and the district administration has emboldened the encroachers and they went on a construction spree affecting at least a dozen rivers like Benga, Tilabe, Budhabe, Baluha, Sursar, Parwane, Baiwah, Jarur and Kating. A river consists of three parts - the upper catchment area where rain water collects, the water body itself and the drainage system which carries excess water out to the sea. All three need to be protected. Now there is complete encroachment in catchment areas as well as the natural drainage system," said sources.
A social worker Kamleshwar Mukhiya said, "There was a time when at least 10,000 families earned their livelihood by fishing in these small rivers which have now almost become dry. All the families have been rendered jobless. They have migrated to other states."
Medhepura DM Mohammad Suhel said the matter has been brought to his notice and action would be taken against encroachers. "We will soon work out a plan and take action against people who have encroached the catchment areas," said the DM.
"Encroachment of lands belonging to Benga river near Murliganj and Parwane in Singheshwar- the two big rivers flowing by either side of Madhepura town is also going unabated. Jarur river flowing by Mathahi village was famous for navigation of goods on boats from Bhagalpur, the then district headquarters of this region, and other parts of the states, has become so narrow that even small boats cannot sail in shallow water," said sources.
An official of the water resources department said they are yet to carry out a survey of lands belonging to the rivers. "We, however, know that people have encroached major parts of catchment areas as most of the rivers have gone almost dry," said the official.
The official also pointed out that minimum loss of life and property was in Madhepura town due to these two rivers when Kosi flood hit the region in 2008.