Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 24 OCT: A four-day kayaking expedition titled “Paddles for a Cause: Reviving Rivers, Reviving Lives” has commenced on 21 October, aiming to raise awareness about the dire need for river conservation and environmental protection along the Jalangi river. The event is jointly organized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (East Zone) and Save Jalangi, with support from Himalayan Footprints.
The expedition will cover a 115-kilometer stretch of the Jalangi river, once a vital waterway for Bengal’s Nadia and Murshidabad districts but now considered one of the most polluted rivers in the state. During the scheduled four days, kayakers will paddle through four major stops – Palashipara to Chander Ghat, Chander Ghat to Boro Andulia, Boro Andulia to Chapra and Chapra to Krishnagar Bisarjan (Immersion) Ghat.
The river, which the Central Pollution Control Board has identified as critically polluted, is suffering from years of neglect. Illegal encroachments, soil erosion, and pollution from nearby industries have left much of the Jalangi severely degraded. A significant 50-kilometer stretch of the river from Char-Madhubona to Char-Moktarpur is now nearly dry or labeled as “dead,” posing a serious threat to the communities depending on its water.
Adding to the crisis is the ongoing groundwater depletion in the district of Nadia. Ten out of 18 blocks in the region face a “critical” water situation, with widespread arsenic contamination adding to the challenges. Local residents are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term impact on drinking water and irrigation.
“The Jalangi is vital to our survival. If we don’t act now, millions of people will struggle to meet their basic water needs,” said Shankha Shubha Chakraborty, secretary of Save Jalangi. “This expedition is a call to action for everyone who depends on the river.”
The expedition not only aims to bring attention to the river’s declining state but also seeks to engage local communities along its banks. Kayakers will be holding public events at key stops, focusing on issues like water conservation, the role of rivers in mitigating climate change, and the urgent need for sustainable development.
“We need to realize that sustainable development is our collective responsibility,” said Debraj Dutta, chairman of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (East Zone). “This expedition is a step toward ensuring that rivers like the Jalangi are protected for future generations.”
The event will culminate at Krishnanagar Bisarjan Ghat on 25 October, where environmentalists, government officials, and local leaders will gather to discuss long-term plans for river restoration. Organizers hope that the expedition will ignite a broader movement for river conservation throughout the region, ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for all.
As kayakers have set off on their journey, the message is clear: preserving rivers like the Jalangi is not just about saving the environment—it’s about securing a future where clean water and a thriving ecosystem are accessible to all.
Tags: #Kayakers #Expedition #Jalangi #SaveJalangi #IndianMountaineeringFoundation
