Amidst Severe River Erosion, Concerns Grow Over the Existence of the Historic Kamaltipur Mosque in Manikchak

**Maldah:** The historic and viral Kamaltipur Mosque in Manikchak, Maldah is facing a severe river erosion crisis. Since Monday morning, destructive erosion of the Ganges has reportedly submerged acres of land, trees, and multiple homes in the river's grasp in the blink of an eye. Local residents, alarmed by the situation, have already begun demolishing their homes and relocating elsewhere.

According to local sources, the erosion began around 8 AM on Monday. In moments, the soil from vast areas, including large bamboo groves, was swept away into the Ganges. Locals claim that already **more than 10 families** have demolished their homes and moved to safer locations due to the fear of erosion.

Most concern has arisen around the Kamaltipur Mosque. Locals claim that erosion has reached the west, south, and east sides of the mosque. As a result, they fear that the mosque's existence could be endangered at any moment.

Satellite images show the mosque's current position as if it is standing on the river's bed. Many are comparing this scene to the Haji Ali Dargah in Maharashtra. Last year, many people from far and wide gathered to see this historic mosque. However, this year, due to the severe river erosion, the mosque now faces an existential crisis.

Meanwhile, crowds are returning to the area adjacent to the mosque to witness the erosion. From children to many adults, people are dangerously standing very close to the river's edge to observe the situation. Locals fear that if the crowd continues to grow, a major accident could occur at any moment.

Families affected by the erosion have complained that although there was a promise to provide land and homes elsewhere for those affected by the river erosion, they have not yet received the expected assistance from the administration.

Local Panchayat member and former member Ayub Ali stated that last year the relevant department played a crucial role in the maintenance of this mosque. He claims that it was due to that initiative that the mosque was saved last year. However, due to the severe erosion in recent days, they are now deeply concerned about the mosque's existence.

Ayub Ali claims that the mosque is intertwined with the emotions, memories, and heritage of the local people. Therefore, he appeals to the MLA of Manikchak, Gour Chandra Mandal, to **urgently initiate erosion prevention work in the area adjacent to the mosque.**

Now it remains to be seen what steps the administration will take to quickly prevent erosion and whether it will be possible to save the historic Kamaltipur Mosque from the Ganges' grasp.