State Government Approves Marine Drive Project for Motihari's Dhanauti River
The Bihar state government has officially approved a significant proposal for the construction of a marine drive along the banks of the Dhanauti river in Motihari. This development is set to mirror the successful Moti-Lake marine drive already established in the town, with construction work anticipated to commence in the near future.
Administrative Actions and Public Response
In preparation for this project, the East Champaran district administration has already initiated crucial measures to preserve the Dhanauti river. These efforts include the removal of large-scale encroachments that have plagued the waterbody. Residents of Motihari have expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for approving the project, highlighting its potential to permanently curb encroachments along the historic river's banks.
The proposed marine drive is expected to serve as an alternative route for public movement, which will significantly ease traffic congestion on the heavily used Balua-Court road. This dual benefit of environmental restoration and improved infrastructure has been warmly welcomed by the local community.
Historical and Environmental Context of the Dhanauti River
The Dhanauti river, stretching 183 kilometers in length, originates from the Harha river—a tributary of the Gandak river in the Nautan block of West Champaran. It flows through several East Champaran blocks, including Paharpur, Harsidhi, Turkauliya, Banjariya, Motihari (on its western side), and Piprakothi, before ultimately merging with the Burhi Gandak river near Sitakund close to Chakiya.
Over the past century, the river's condition has severely deteriorated, prompting ongoing desilting and renovation efforts aimed at restoring its flow for essential purposes such as irrigation, fish farming, and comprehensive riverfront development. Flowing through the western part of Motihari town, the river has unfortunately transformed into a large drain in recent years. From the Balua road bridge, a foul smell emanates from the polluted water, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
A 90-year-old villager, Ramanuj Das, shared poignant memories of the river's past. He recalled that Saint Kabir had once rested for a night on the riverbank while traveling to Malahi with his disciple to visit a Kabir Panth math. Das noted that during his childhood, the river was approximately 250 feet wide, but it has now shrunk to nearly 40 feet, illustrating the dramatic environmental changes over time.
Official Statements and Future Plans
East Champaran District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal confirmed that approval has been granted for the marine drive, with construction set to begin soon. He emphasized that action will be taken to remove encroachments, with 67 encroachers already identified and notices served. Jorwal outlined the comprehensive plan to restore the blocked flow of the river, including steps to clean the river, remove water hyacinth, and improve water quality before commencing beautification work.
This project represents a holistic approach to addressing both environmental degradation and urban planning challenges in Motihari, aiming to revitalize a key natural resource while enhancing local infrastructure for the benefit of residents and future generations.
