Jamuna erosion renders more than 500 families homeless in Sariakandi

BOGURA, July 07: More than 500 families of Manik Dair and Pakiria area under Sariakandi upazila of the district have been rendered homeless by the erosion of the river Jamuna within a week.

Another 300 families in the upazila are passing their days amid fear as torrential rain and flash floods may trigger severe erosion by the river rendering them homeless.

Besides, more than 1,000 acres of land have been engulfed by the river. The inhabitants of the region have become panicked as the situation is deteriorating gradually.

"I have lost my home by the furious attack of Jamuna," said Azim Uddin of Charghagua area.

People, who have already lost their lands and property, are living in an inhuman condition, said chairman of Kornibari Union Council Azaher Ali.

People in Jamthol, Beara Pachbaria, Uttaortengrakura, Charghagua, Pakuria, Shopochar areas under the upazila are the worst sufferers, said member of Kajla Union Council Shajahan Ali.

People in Shimultair, Bahula Danga, Sujunpara, Kaklihata, Chokortinath and Dighirpara villages of the upazila are also afraid of losing everything if the situation goes this way.

An official at the Water Development Board said erosion has taken a serious turn in Sariakandi upazila as the water level of the river is increasing.

UNB adds: With the monsoon season underway, the Dharla river has grown violent against its banks in Kulaghat-Mogholhat union under Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila.

In previous three days, the river devoured several croplands of the area, creating panic among the locals.

Currently water-level in the river is increasing constantly. The river gets more violent at night forcing people to spend sleepless nights on its banks.

Hundreds of homesteads and educational institutions are now under threat of being eroded.

The Water Development Board (WDB) expressed the fear that Itapota flood control embankment, Shiberkuti Market, BGB Camp, Mogholhat Bazar, Mogholhat Railway Station, Lalmonirhat-Mughalhat regional highway could soon be devoured by the river.

Meanwhile, a culvert collapsed in Wapda Bazar area of Kulaghat union few days ago. The authority is yet to normalise transportation system on the road. As a result, commuters are risking their lives by crossing the area on boat.

However, a resident of the area said he had to transfer his house six times because of river erosion. This year, his homestead is also under threat of disappearing into the river. But he is yet to receive any relief material from the government.