Erosion has once again hit the embankment protecting the Padma Bridge construction yard in Shariatpur`s Zajira. Due to strong currents, around 110 metres of the barrier collapsed into the river, resulting in at least 30 homes being washed away.
Fearing further erosion, local residents have started relocating to safer areas, reports bdnews24.com.
The erosion occurred on Thursday and Friday morning in the Majhirghat area of Nawdoba Union, according to Mohammad Tarek Hasan, executive engineer of the Shariatpur Water Development Board.
“We’ve started dumping geo-bags and geo-tubes to prevent further erosion.” he said.
He noted that the work was being hampered somewhat by strong currents and heavy rainfall.
Local residents said that in a single day of erosion, homes belonging to Monowar Hossain, Rinku Madbor, Tajul Madbor, Rana Madbor, and Imran Madbor in the Majhirghat area were swallowed by the river.
“At dawn, I heard a loud noise and rushed to the riverbank to see the erosion had begun. Before I could process it, both my homes were gone,” said a beleaguered Monowar.
“If this erosion isn’t stopped somehow, everything will be lost. We need a sustainable embankment in this area.”
Shahin Madbor, another affected resident, said: “My home and a nearby structure have been taken by the river. I don’t know where I’ll live now. I call upon the government for financial assistance.”
Local resident Abdul Kader Mollah added, “After hearing the news, I rushed to the Padma riverbank and saw two homes disappear into the river within moments.”
According to the Water Development Board, the Padma Bridge authorities built the embankment protecting the construction yard from the Padma Bridge through Zajira Majhirghat to East Nawdoba Alamkhar Kandi Zero Point in the 2010-11 fiscal year. The 2km embankment cost Tk 1.1 billion to build.
But recurring erosion has already destroyed about 750 metres of the embankment.
To prevent further collapse, around 120,000 geo-bags have been dumped. Still, the Water Development Board is struggling to contain the erosion as the current intensifies.
Addressing the matter, Executive Engineer Mohammad Tarek Hasan said: “Permanent embankment work will begin before the next monsoon to tackle the erosion.”
Shariatpur Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum said, “We’ve visited the erosion-affected area. A list of affected families is being compiled to ensure they receive support.”
“We’ve provided support in the past by preparing such lists. We’re also considering whether it’s possible to provide land and homes to those who’ve lost everything, including land and shelter.”
