Motihari: The state govt has approved a proposal for the construction of a marine drive along the Dhanauti river. Work on the project is expected to begin soon on the lines of the Moti-Lake marine drive in Motihari. The East Champaran district administration has already initiated measures to preserve the Dhanauti river and remove large-scale encroachments from the waterbody.Residents of Motihari town thanked CM Nitish Kumar for approving the project along the banks of the historic river, stating that it would help permanently curb encroachments. The proposed road is also expected to provide an alternative route for public movement, easing traffic congestion on the Balua-Court road.The 183 km-long Dhanauti river originates from the Harha river, a tributary of the Gandak river in Nautan block of West Champaran. It flows through East Champaran blocks including Paharpur, Harsidhi, Turkauliya, Banjariya, Motihari (western side) and Piprakothi before merging with the Burhi Gandak river near Sitakund close to Chakiya. Over the past 100 years, the river’s condition has deteriorated, prompting desilting and renovation efforts to restore its flow for irrigation, fish farming and riverfront development.Flowing through the western part of Motihari town, the river has in recent years turned into a large drain. From the Balua road bridge, a foul smell emanates from the polluted water. A 90-year-old villager Ramanuj Das said Saint Kabir had rested for a night on the riverbank while travelling to Malahi with his disciple to visit a Kabir Panth math. He added that the river was about 250 feet wide during his childhood but has now shrunk to nearly 40 feet.East Champaran DM Saurabh Jorwal said approval has been granted for the marine drive and construction will begin soon. “Action will also be taken to remove encroachments,” he said, adding that 67 encroachers have been identified and notices served. He said the blocked flow of the river will be restored, and steps will be taken to clean the river, remove water hyacinth and improve water quality before beautification work begins.
