Monsoon brings fear of flood, erosion in Moulvibazar

Water levels in the Manu, Dhalai, and Juri rivers, along with the wetlands including Hakaluki Haor, have continued to rise following a weeklong downpour in Moulvibazar.

The Juri was flowing 60 centimetres above the danger level till the last report on Thursday.

Despite the looming threat of extensive flooding, the district remains largely unprepared, with flood protection measures falling short as the monsoon intensifies.

A long-term government project, initiated in 2022 to protect Moulvibazar's Sadar, Rajnagar, and Kulaura upazilas from erosion and flooding of the Manu River, has been making slow progress.

The Tk 996-crore project, undertaken by the Bangladesh Water Development Board and initially scheduled for completion in 2023, has had its deadline extended twice, now targeting completion in June 2026. To date, only 54 percent of the work has been completed.

The project comprises 72 sub-projects, including the construction of flood walls, embankment repairs, and silt excavation. However, financial constraints, land acquisition delays, and issues with securing permits have significantly hindered progress.

The Manu river. Photo: Mintu Deshwara

With the monsoon nearing its peak, residents of riverbank areas such as Tilagaon, Hajipur, Prithimpasha, and Sharifpur are increasingly anxious about the risk of flood and erosion. Vulnerable spots include Ashrayagram, Miyarpara, Sondrabaj, and Khandaker in Tilagaon, as well as Gudamghat in Hajipur.

"Last year's monsoon saw widespread erosion along the Manu riverbank, causing significant damage to homes, roads, farmland, and fisheries. Thousands were forced to seek shelter at emergency centres as floodwaters inundated vast areas. This year, the situation may take a similar turn," said Shadikur Rahman, a local resident.

Last monsoon, around 600 feet of the embankment at Gudamghat in Hajipur village was eroded, while another 300 feet was washed away in Miyarpara and 100 feet in the Shikaria Dema Beel area, leaving thousands stranded. Little improvement has been seen since.

Locals allege that the BWDB has not taken adequate preventive measures despite last year's devastation.

"We were expecting the authorities to address the weak points identified last year, but nothing has been done," said Abdul Latif, former chairman of Prithimpasha Union Parishad.

Abdul Basit, acting chairman of Tilagaon Union Parishad, echoed his concerns.

Contacted, Khaled Bin Olid, executive engineer of BWDB in Moulvibazar, said 54 percent of the project work has been completed so far.

"Bureaucratic delays, logistical obstacles, and complications regarding land acquisition slowed down the project's pace considerably. However, our teams are working diligently to fortify the flood control dams before the monsoon intensifies," he said.