St. Martin's, the only coral island in Bangladesh is facing severe ecological disaster as villages and business establishments are now exposed to severe erosion. With tourism shut down, local residents are now grappling with financial crisis. The natural defences like cocoanut groves and coastal Kea forests used to protect the island. As human settlements expanded, those natural bastions were destroyed.
Adding to the woes of the residents, the recent New Moon tides brought unprecedented erosion to both the northern and southern parts of the island to such an extent of damage which has never been seen before. And erosion is worsening day by day. Embankments and block installations are indispensable to save the island from further damages.
On the other hand, river erosion remains a persistent and devastating problem in many parts of the country, posing serious threats to lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. Year after year, erosion continues to devour houses, farmlands, educational and religious institutions, and other vital establishments, leaving thousands of people homeless and destitute.
Recent reports indicate that rising water levels in Kurigram's rivers have exacerbated erosion along the Brahmaputra, Dharla, and Teesta rivers. The situation has become dire in areas such as Mollarhat, Rasulpur, and Koddar Mor in Ulipur upazila, as well as parts of Kurigram Sadar, Chilmari, Rajarhat, Roumari, and Rajibpur-even before the full onset of the monsoon season.
Adding to the woes of the residents, the recent
New Moon tides brought unprecedented
erosion to both the northern and southern
parts of the island such extent of damage
has never been seen before
In just a few days, more than 100 homes, agricultural land, and countless trees have been lost. Roads, schools, mosques, madrasas, and community clinics are now at imminent risk. Locals report that timely protective measures could have significantly mitigated these losses. Recent rainfall has further raised river levels, inundating approximately 300 hectares of farmland.
Many displaced residents are now forced to take shelter with neighbors or live under the open sky. Despite organizing protests and human chains, they have yet to see any effective action.
The study also identifies high-risk areas along the Jamuna, Ganges, and Padma rivers. Critical infrastructure, including four kilometers of embankments and dams, major highway segments, district headquarters, rural roads, marketplaces, homes, religious sites, educational institutions, and even hospitals are under threat. Unlike floods or cyclones, which may destroy property but leave the land intact, riverbank erosion wipes away everything, including the land itself.
In the light of this growing crisis, the government must adopt a long-term, strategic approach. Therefore, the government must construct and repair the embankments in vulnerable areas, implement the riverbank protection and dredging projects and take measures for urgent relief and rehabilitation for displaced families.
Riverbank erosion is not just a seasonal issue-it is a national emergency that demands sustained attention, comprehensive planning, and immediate execution. Only through concerted efforts can we protect our people and prevent further devastation from the relentless fury of our rivers. It is high time the authorities acted decisively to combat erosion, particularly in high risk areas so that lives and property may be saved.
