A 175-year-old Shiva temple in Ratua, Malda district of West Bengal, collapsed into the Ganga on Sunday as flood conditions and riverbank erosion worsened across the region.
The temple at Muniramtola in Ratua had faced the threat of erosion since last year, but temporary protective work had kept it standing. A local schoolteacher recalled, “In our childhood, the river was nearly 15km away from the temple. It was immensely popular among devotees, and a weekly market centred on it drew thousands, even from neighbouring Bihar.”
As water levels surged, a large portion of the riverbank eroded on Saturday before the river swallowed the entire structure on Sunday evening. Despite local efforts to reinforce the area with sandbags, they were no match for the strong currents that overwhelmed the site as severe erosion washed it away.
Experts warned that water levels will continue to rise until September 9 after heavy inflow from Bihar. On Bhutni island, the worst-affected area under Manikchak block, the sole local hospital was forced to close, with primary care arrangements shifted to the panchayat office.
At least 62 villages across three panchayats in Bhutni are submerged, alongside the local police station. In Ratua, 1,725 people have been relocated to relief camps set up in various schools. State ministers are on the ground as the administration carries out relief operations on a war footing.
West Bengal: 175-year-old Shiva temple collapses into Ganga at Ratua, Malda; riverbank erosion worsens amid floods; 62 villages submerged in Bhutni island; 1,725 people relocated to relief camps; embankment breach on September 2 inundates island; pregnant women moved to school buildings; state ministers oversee relief operations; water levels expected to rise until September 9.
Follow Dharmic News for more updates on Hindu community issues and global affairs.
