Jamuna erosion intensifies in Tangail
Erosion by the river Jamuna took a serious turn in the last few days, rendering several hundreds of families homeless, and devouring vast tracts of croplands and structures in Tangail's Sadar, Bhuanpur, and Nagarpur upazilas.
The erosion victims are now living under the open sky in neighbouring riverbeds or have moved to safer places with whatever they could salvage.
Solimabad Pashchim Government Primary School in Nagarpur was devoured by the river early yesterday, disrupting the academic activities of over 200 students.
"A couple of months ago, we urged the authorities to take necessary steps to save the school. However, only a few GEO bags were dumped at the eleventh hour, which was not of much help," said Abdus Samad, the school's headmaster.
Nagarpur UNO Oahidujjaman said the GEO bags left by the Water Development Board could not save the school due to the severity of erosion.
"We are trying to relocate the school temporarily so that it can resume its activities. I have discussed the matter with the public representatives," he added.
With the rising water levels, the river has affected four unions in Nagarpur. The worst affected areas are Khash Ghunipara, Paishka Maijhail, Char Solimabad and Bhuter More in Solimabad union; Nishchitpur, Kati Nishchitpur, and Bak Katari under Doptior union; and Marma, Uladab, Shahjani and Balarampur in Dhuburia union.
According to locals, they have been facing this situation for the last few years with the authorities turning a blind eye to this problem. They also demanded an embankment, but to no avail.
Sazzad Hossain, executive engineer of WDB in Tangail, said, "We have plans to resolve the issue permanently under an ongoing project of the WDB in Sirajganj."
Meanwhile, fresh erosion has hit the affected areas hard in Bhuanpur in the last few days.
The most affected ones are Govindasi, Kostapara, Bhalkutia, Patulipaa, Chituliapara and Khanurbari area under Govindasi union; Nikrail Matikata, Sirajkandi, and Sarpolshia in Nikrail union; and Jogotpura, Kuthiboira, Rayer Basalia and Bolorampur under Arjuna union.
Sadar UNO Hasan-Bin-Muhammad Ali said the local lawmaker has already visited the area and instructed WDB to take necessary steps.
Dulal Hossain Chokdar, chairman of Govindasi Union Parishad, said many dwelling houses have already gone into the river while many structures -- including several schools and a temple -- are under threat in his area.
"We have already informed the local administration about the matter," he said.
Bhuanpur UNO Belal Hossain said they have informed WDB of the issue and requested them to take required steps.
Sazzad Hossain, executive engineer of WDB in Tangail, said they have informed higher authorities.
Meanwhile, the erosion victims, who are now left alone under the open sky, are waiting for relief to reach them.
Contacted, Dilip Kumar, district relief officer in Tangail, said the process to send relief materials is underway.
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