Prompt action needed to stop river erosion

River erosion in Bangladesh, a country both riparian and densely populous, often has devastating consequences. It makes people homeless overnight. Many lives are lost as well. At the Naria upazila in Shariatpur, the mighty Padma is currently swallowing village after village in a pattern that has started five-six years ago.

According to a report by The Daily Star, more than 4,000 families have lost their lands, homes and belongings over a period of just a few months, while many others remain vulnerable. Local officials say that an embankment will be built, but the work will commence in November. If the erosion continues in the current pace, the entire upazila may be consumed by the river by then.

We urge the authorities concerned to take some instant measures to prevent this erosion from spreading any further. Otherwise, this may adversely affect the entire southern economy.

M. Soman, Dhaka University