The untimely devastating erosions of major rivers of the country have taken a serious turn in most areas alongside the banks in last few days.
Heavy downpour and onrush of upstream water in the last few days have increased the water level in all major rivers including Padma, Jamuna and Teesta causing the erosion in many areas of Sirajganj, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Netrokona, Munshiganj and Shariatpur districts.
Many families have become homeless due to the unwanted erosion in these districts.
Besides, large number of business, religious and educational structures, trees and crops on vast areas were washed away by the strong current of the rivers. Heavy rain coupled with onrush of water from the upstream has triggered flash flood and river erosion in the districts of the country’s northern, southern and central regions.
Apart from these, many others are facing the threats of devastating river erosion.
However, no initiatives have yet been taken by the local Water Development Board to control the erosion, locals alleged.
They alleged that the Water Development Board and the Water Resources Ministry every year announce many projects to prevent erosion and protect people and their properties, but all the announcement remain unimplemented. However, although safety dams are being constructed in some of the areas, but those do not sustain due to low quality, locals further alleged.
According to witnesses, at least 21 metres of the Jamuna Spa Dam at Shimla in Sirajganj Sadar upazila has totally been abolished in the river while many houses, markets and several other establishments at Chowhali area have been damaged by the tide of the River Jamuna.
Meanwhile, a vast area of Naria and Jajira upazilas in Shariyatpur district is about to be abolished due to severe erosion of River Padma.
People from Munsiganj said that a larger number of residential houses, mosques and markets of Louhajung and Tongibari upazilas have been damaged due to the river erosion. The situation is getting worse day by day. A severe turn will take place in the areas if proper steps are not taken immediately, locals said.
Sources in Netrokona said severe erosion has begun at Dhonu River in Khaliajuri of the district. The erosion has washed away houses and properties of at least 57 families. Besides, a larger number of other families are now at severe risk of being washed away by the heavy current of the river.
Like other districts, people from Kurigram district said that hundreds of families in Ulipur upazila have already become homeless due to river erosion. Besides, over 1,500 acres of firm land have also been washed away by the river water.
The same situation is also prevailing in Gaibandha and Madaripur, But, no effective measure has yet been taken by the authorities concerned.
According to official sources, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) last year approved a project at Tk 1,097 crore to prevent erosion. But the project is yet to prepare its work plan.
Apart from corruptions by some of the officials, the reluctance by the local administrations were blamed in taking proper measures. The situation has created anger among victims as well as other local people of the areas.
