- Tk 3.38cr Project to Restore Sonadia’s Biodiversity |
- Global Emissions Fall Slowly, Experts Urge Renewables Push |
- Hurricane Melissa: UN Appeals $74M to Aid 2.2M in Cuba |
- Doha Summit Stresses Urgent Investment in People and Peace |
- Sand syndicates tighten grip on Bangladesh's northern region |
River erosion sparks panic in six Khulna villages
Intense erosion of the Jhobjhopia River at Moukahali village under Pankhali union in Dacope upazila has sparked panic among residents of six nearby villages, leaving nearly 20,000 people at risk.
Locals have called upon the Water Development Board (WDB) to take immediate action to reinforce the vulnerable embankment and prevent possible flooding in the low-lying areas of Chalna, Pankhali, and Tildanga unions.
According to residents, a 200-meter stretch of the embankment under WDB's polder No. 31 in front of Gazi Bari at Moukahali developed deep cracks over the past two days, and about one-third of the structure has already collapsed into the river.
The erosion has caused widespread concern among inhabitants of Moukahali, Pankhali, Laxmikhola, Khatail, Katabunia, and Hoglabunia villages, where around 2,000 families are facing the threat of displacement.
Meanwhile, water levels in the surrounding rivers-Bhadra, Andhar Manik, Pashur, Dhaki, and Shibsa have risen by three to four feet, intensifying erosion and causing new cracks in several parts of Pankhali and Tildanga unions and Chalna municipality.
Locals fear that without urgent protection work, the remaining parts of the embankment could give way, leading to severe flooding.
Local shopkeeper Tayebur Rahman said the first cracks appeared near Gazi Bari a few days ago.
"We informed local representatives, who immediately contacted WDB officials. But now most of the embankment has already gone into the river, leaving hundreds of families gripped by fear," he said.
Pankhali Union Parishad Chairman Sheikh Sabbir Ahmed said the structure has become highly vulnerable due to the strong current of the Jhobjhopia River.
"I have spoken to WDB's senior officials, who have already visited the area and assured us that protective work will begin soon," he added.
Sub-Divisional Engineer of WDB-2, Khulna, Madhusudan Pal, said the damaged section has been inspected.
"We have started a survey to initiate immediate protection measures and informed higher authorities for a long-term riverbank protection project," he said.
Executive Engineer of WDB-2, Khulna, Md Ashraful Alam, said around 70 meters of the embankment have been affected, but the river is still about 15 meters away from the main structure, reports BSS.
"There is no immediate risk of a total collapse. However, we are conducting a detailed survey, and emergency protective work will follow based on the assessment," he added.