Severe River Erosion in Malda! Half of West Ratnapur Primary School Submerged, Many Families Left Homeless

**Malda:** As the water level of the Ganges rises, riverbank erosion is taking a severe turn. The situation in the West Ratnapur village of the Mahinandatola Gram Panchayat in the Ratua-1 block of Malda is becoming increasingly alarming. Several families have already become homeless due to the river erosion. Local residents are being forced to relocate their homes in search of safe shelter.

The most concern has arisen regarding the **West Ratnapur Primary School**. A large portion of the school building has already been swallowed by the river due to severe erosion. With almost half of the school building submerged in the Ganges, the remaining part is practically hanging on the riverbank. Locals fear that the rest of the structure could also be taken by the river at any moment.

Due to the dangerous situation, arrangements have been made for students to continue their studies in another school for their safety. However, students, teachers, and parents are terrified as their school building is being consumed by the river.

Local residents complain that as the water level of the Ganges rises, the intensity of the erosion is also increasing. The soil along the riverbank is collapsing overnight. Many families have already been forced to move their homes to safer areas.

Victims of the erosion demand that the administration take swift and effective measures before the situation worsens. There is an urgent call for measures to prevent erosion, especially to protect the remaining part of the West Ratnapur Primary School.

Residents fear that if erosion is not controlled quickly, many more homes, roads, and other important infrastructure in the area could be consumed by the river in the future. Therefore, the residents of West Ratnapur are looking forward to prompt intervention from the administration.