Khowai river: Collapsed dam leaves locals in peril

The embankment of the Khowai River in the Jalalabad area of Sadar Upazila in Habiganj collapsed in June of last year, destroying crops, fish enclosures, and homes across a vast area. In August, flooding worsened the situation, causing erosion to expand by approximately 200 feet, transforming the site into a massive ditch.

Over a hundred villages from the Lokra, Richi, and Karab unions of Lakhai and Sadar upazilas depend on this embankment road, which is also used by residents from the neighbouring Kishoreganj district.

It is the only route for many villages, including Kashipur, Chanpur, Gopalpur, Mathuranagar, Joynagar, Islampur, and Jadavpur in Sadar upazila. Commuters now rely on battery-powered auto-rickshaws to reach the eroded area and then cross by boat, disrupting the transportation of essential goods.

Despite seven months passing since the damage occurred, no repairs have been made.

Hundreds of acres of farmland in the haor region are at risk, particularly during the current Boro cultivation season. Local farmers said without prompt repairs to the embankment, their crops could be submerged when water flows into the river.

Low-lying areas, including villages near the district town, also face an increased risk of flooding, said villagers.

Residents have repeatedly contacted the Water Development Board (WDB) regarding the damage, but no solutions have been implemented despite several meetings with local villagers.

Asfaq Mia, a resident of the Jalalabad area, expressed frustration over the difficulties in traveling to the city, which was previously easy by bicycle or auto-rickshaw. He urged the government to expedite the restoration of the dam.

Miftaul Husain, a local farmer, questioned whether they would be able to cultivate Boro crops this year, citing a lack of confidence to invest in cultivation due to the risk of crop destruction if the dam remains unrepaired.

Jadid Mia, another farmer, emphasised the dependence of their livelihoods on haor land and the devastating impact of losing crops.

Kaiser Rahman, chairman of the Lukra Union Parishad, echoed the same.

Contacted, Samiul Azam, deputy assistant engineer of the Water Development Board in Sadar upazila, said, "The design data for the repairs was sent to the circle office last September, with an estimated cost of approximately half Tk 50 lakh."

He said they are awaiting necessary funding, and repair work will commence as soon as the allocation is approved, expressing hope that work will start soon.