Siliguri, 20th February: Growing environmental pollution in the Sahu River and Farabari forest area near the Eastern Bypass in Siliguri has become a matter of serious concern. Local residents allege that for years, structures of idols immersed during festivals are dumped into the river and not removed afterward, leading to a continuous deterioration of the river’s condition.
Large numbers of idol structures can be seen lying in the Sahu River a short distance from the Eastern Bypass. Locals claim that after immersion, these structures are left unattended, disrupting the natural water flow, polluting the water, and affecting the surrounding environment. The impact is also being felt in the nearby Farabari forest area.
According to residents, this is not a recent problem but one that has persisted for several years. The accumulating debris is not only causing foul smells but also posing a serious threat to the river and forest ecosystem.
Questions have been raised about the responsibility of Mitali Malakar, Pradhan of Dabgram II Anchal, regarding this issue. She, however, stated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department and that they are responsible for cleaning the area. On the other hand, the Forest Department claims that the complete responsibility for removing idol structures lies with the local panchayat.
Amidst this tug-of-war over accountability, the condition of the river continues to worsen. Concerns are now being raised over who will take responsibility for environmental protection and when the river will be cleaned. Without a timely and permanent solution, the situation is expected to become even more alarming in the future.