ARA, July 26 -- Purnia independent MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav had a narrow escape on Friday while visiting Jawainiya village in Bhojpur district, which has been severely affected by river erosion. The incident occurred as he was watching a house being submerged in the Ganges. Suddenly, the ground beneath him began to cave in. Alert villagers quickly pulled him back to safety by grabbing his hands. Yadav had visited the erosion-hit village under Shahpur police station limits to assess the situation, where rapid erosion by the Ganges has swallowed nearly half the village. Describing the situation as "extremely frightening and a symbol of administrative apathy," the MP criticised the government and local administration for their inaction. Taking matters into his own hands, Yadav provided immediate financial aid of Rs.20,000 each to over two dozen affected families. He also distributed tarpaulin sheets, food items, and other essential household supplies. Holding the sand mafia responsible for the disaster, Yadav alleged that illegal mining in the area-carried out for years in collusion with local leaders and officials-has altered the course of the river, leading to the destruction. He demanded a criminal investigation and strict action against those involved. Yadav further urged the government to compensate families whose houses were lost in the erosion with at least Rs.5 lakh each. He also demanded that affected families be provided with three months' worth of rations, including 5 quintals of rice, 1 quintal of flour, and adequate firewood per household. He added that nearly 400 to 500 acres of standing crops have been destroyed, severely impacting the agricultural economy of several panchayats in the region....