Bettiah: Residents of Mangalpur in Bagaha-II block of West Champaran blocked the Bagaha-Valmikinagar main road near the village on Wednesday, protesting against continuing erosion by the Gandak and demanding permanent protection work.The blockade brought traffic to a standstill for several hours, with long queues of vehicles on both sides. Bagaha revenue officer Ravi Prakash and personnel from Patkhauli police station reached the spot and persuaded the protesters to lift the blockade.Villager Harmurat Been said, “The erosion has made our lives miserable. Contractors merely dump sandbags and bamboo supports during the monsoon as a temporary measure. The river continues to eat away at the land every year. If a permanent embankment is not constructed in time, Mangalpur village itself could cease to exist, forcing people to abandon their homes.”Another resident, Lalbabu Mishra, said Mangalpur was situated along NH-727, with the Gandak flowing on the other side. “Every year, the area witnesses erosion during the monsoon. However, the administration only tries to control it by using sandbags. This season too, around 7 to 8 feet of land has already been eroded. That is why we staged the protest demanding a permanent solution.”Ravi Prakash said the administration was aware of the villagers’ concerns. “Another 7 to 8 feet of land has been washed away over the past few days. The volume of water is so high that cement or sandbags are not proving effective. A report will be sent to senior officials, and steps will be taken towards a permanent solution depending on the situation.”He said the site required a permanent reinforced cement concrete (RCC) embankment stretching at least 500 to 600 metres, which would require technical assessment and administrative approval.Residents warned that continued erosion could threaten homes, agricultural land and the very existence of Mangalpur.
