Harimardan sluice gate of the river Kopotakkho along the center of Anulia and Khajra union of Ashashuni upazila of Satkhira is in dilapidated condition for a long time. The locals are affected but there is no one to see. Any moment, the gate can collapse flooding more than two hundred houses of the two unions.
Anulia UP member Nur Mohammad and Chhatra League president Zahurul Islam said Harimardan Sluice Gate was constructed in 1974 in Anulia-Khajra union for drainage and for the last 48 years, the gate is being used. No action has been taken so far to protect the gate. In addition, some identified traders in the area have been extracting excessive water causing damage to the gate. In the meantime, two blocks of the gate were destroyed and left in the river.
Nasrin Sultana of Pirojpur village said the influential traders used to get extra water. As a result, both sides of the road were broken. Most of the year the road remains under water. About half of the families are living in fear of the gate breaking down. Meanwhile, there was a shortage of food and water for the students of the school college.
Anulia UP Chairman Alamgir Alam Litton said the Harimardan sluice gate was severely damaged. He discussed the matter at an upazila law and order committee meeting. Locals have called for immediate intervention to quickly repair the sluice gate.