Sunamganj Villagers Hit by Erosion from Illegal Soil Cutting

Unseasonal river erosion is wreaking havoc on residents in Jagannathpur Upazila of Sunamganj, where 50 to 60 families from two unions have lost their homes and livelihoods in just a matter of days. Unlike typical erosion during the monsoon season, this unexpected disaster is primarily attributed to illegal soil extraction from the banks of the Kushiyara River, which locals say is being fueled by brick kiln operations.

In an effort to save what little they could, around 40 families have been forced to relocate, with many still living under the open sky. Others remain by the river, anxiously awaiting the erosion’s next move, risking their lives in the process. Some have left behind just the poles of their houses and fences, hoping that the remaining structures would withstand the river's encroachment.

Over 300 families, along with religious institutions like mosques, temples, graveyards, and schools, are now under the imminent threat of erosion. The soil extraction, carried out by powerful individuals for brick kiln use, has destabilized the riverbanks and intensified the situation.

For those who haven’t yet been affected, the fear of losing everything looms large, leaving entire communities sleepless and desperate for intervention. The erosion, which has been ongoing for months, is particularly severe along a stretch of the river from the Zero Point of the Raniganj Bridge to Purbo Jalalpur, Bhangabari, and Baghmaina, swallowing up up to four kilometers of land.

During a visit to the affected areas, reports identified key individuals involved in the illegal soil extraction. Al Amin of Sonatala village in Pailgaon Union and Faruk Mia, the owner of Shapla Brick Field in Raniganj Union, were reportedly taking soil from the riverbanks with little regard for the consequences. Locals claim that Al Amin has been selling the extracted soil regularly, while the erosion continues unabated in areas like Balisree and Bagmaina.

Despite efforts such as the placement of GO bags to mitigate the damage, the erosion has continued its destructive path. Residents like Promod Das from Raniganj village have witnessed their homes swallowed by the river overnight, while others, like Bulai Robi Das, blame the illegal soil cutters for the ongoing erosion, accusing them of making it a yearly practice.

Kalpana Rani Das, a distressed villager, shared her plight, saying, “Who will rebuild our house? My husband and I live in a small room. I fear that tonight, our home will be taken by the river. I don’t know how we will survive or where we will go.”

In response to the crisis, villagers in Balishi organized a human chain, calling for immediate action to stop the erosion, but they have received little support from the Water Development Board or local authorities. Ashraful Haque, a resident of Balishi village, lamented the lack of assistance, urging the administration to step in before it’s too late.

Pailgaon Union Parishad Chairman Md Nazmuddin expressed his frustration, stating that despite informing the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) about the ongoing situation, no effective measures have been taken.

The Water Development Board's Deputy Assistant Engineer, Sabju Kumar Shill, acknowledged the ongoing erosion and explained that efforts had been made to combat it, including the placement of GO bags. However, he also warned that actions would be taken against those responsible for illegal soil extraction. The Board has reportedly prepared a project to permanently address the erosion, but it is awaiting final approval.

Upazila Assistant Commissioner (AC-Land) Riyadh Bin Ibrahim Bhuiyan also confirmed that authorities were aware of the soil cutting and promised swift action against the culprits. He assured the public that investigations would be conducted, and appropriate measures would be implemented to prevent further damage.

As the river continues to erode their lands, the affected villagers are left waiting for the promised intervention, hoping their homes and communities will not be lost to the relentless tide.