Road communications between six villages in two unions of the Babuganj upazila in Barisal district have been severely disrupted due to ongoing erosion on the banks of Arial Khan River
The erosion began at the start of the monsoon, but its severity has become most pronounced towards the end of the Bangla month of Bhadra (August-September).
Local authorities have not yet implemented alternative measures to restore road communications, forcing residents and businessmen to rely on trawlers. The situation has been especially challenging for low-income individuals and school students in the area.
Rakib Hasan, executive engineer of the Water Development Board in Barisal district, revealed that a plan to construct a permanent embankment at the erosion-affected site has been submitted to the ministry.
However, the project requires land, and a permanent embankment can be built within 300 feet from the river site to prevent further erosion if the villagers cooperate by providing the necessary land. Shakila Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Babuganj, stated that her office has communicated with the local chairman and that work can begin quickly if he collaborates with the villagers in arranging the required land.
Deputy Commissioner Shahidul Islam visited Mirganj on Sunday in response to reports of erosion and promised prompt action.
Upon visiting the area, journalists observed that approximately 20,000 people from Mirganj Ferry Ghat, Sinherkathi, Lohalia, Kalikapur, Bhabanipur, Rafiadi, and Chhota Mirganj Bazar have lost road communication.
Half a kilometre of the road connecting these villages under the Rahamatput and Chandpasha unions has eroded, necessitating transportation by small trawlers.
As a result of river erosion, students in four to five villages are unable to attend schools and colleges. Additionally, those who fall ill cannot be transported to a hospital in a timely manner.
Shahed Ali, a local resident, emphasized the urgent need for well-planned sustainable embankments to combat erosion effectively, rather than relying solely on sandbag dumping year after year.
Sohrab Hossain, a 75-year-old destitute resident of Sinherkathi village, expressed regret over the loss of his property due to river erosion. He explained that he had witnessed river erosion since childhood and that the river had taken everything from him. He added that if the government had provided accommodation, he might have had a place to live.
