Deoria (Uttar Pradesh), July The town of Barhaj and many other villages located along the banks of River Sarayu in Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district are on the verge of being eroded away by the river waters.

With each passing day, lands abutting the riverbank are lost due to gradual erosion.

Apart from Barhaj, the worst affected villages are Parsia Devar, Vishnupur and Devargram.

For instance, residents of Barhaj are living in fear of Mother Nature's fury since the block and district officials have turned deaf and blind to their plight.

Erosion caused by River Sarayu has displaced several families and forced them to seek temporary shelter elsewhere like schools.

"About 50 houses have been destroyed due to soil erosion. We all are now staying temporary in some shelters like schools," said Champa Devi, a resident of Barhaj, presently living in a temporary shelter.

The locals grouse is that the government did not take proper precautions although the authorities said that they are trying their best to provide succour to the villagers.

"A proposal of placing boulders along the banks has been made. The district authorities have also sent for a proposal of rupees 30 million to the higher officials but that has not yet been approved," said Ramvilas, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Barhaj.

While the authorities contend that plans are afoot to tame the river waters, the affected residents apprehend such a grandiose project may be too late as portions of their fertile lands are gradually eroding. (ANI)