Damodar River's Changing Course Threatens Bardhaman's Lifeline, Krishak Setu at Risk

• The Damodar River is gradually changing its course annually, leading to increased flooding in the lower basin and damage to riverbank areas.
• Experts warn that continued course changes could severely damage or collapse the Krishak Setu, a critical bridge for Bardhaman.
• Originating in Jharkhand's Chota Nagpur Plateau, the Damodar is vital for East Bardhaman's agriculture, but its 592 km course is shifting.
• While dams initially controlled floods and aided agriculture, current research suggests they alter the river's natural form, causing silt accumulation and raising the riverbed.
• Unplanned sand mining exacerbates the problem, damaging the lower basin and increasing flood risks, threatening both riverbank communities and the Krishak Setu.

Why It Matters: The Damodar River's altered course and sand mining threaten Bardhaman's agriculture and the Krishak Setu.