Bankkhali River erosion turns severe in Cox's Bazar's Ramu

Numerous structures are on the verge of entering the gorge of the Bankkhali River in Kajrobil and Dauchari areas of Gorjania union under Ramu upazila of Cox's Bazar district as erosion by the river has taken an alarming turn in recent time.

In absence of a highly protective embankment on either side of the river, hundreds of structures, including dwelling houses, cemeteries, mosques, are submerged during the monsoon season every year.

Locals said due to soil erosion and flood caused by heavy rains, the road leading to Paschim Para has disappeared into the river.

The Bankkhali originates from the mountains of Arakan State; therefore, it is a very fast-flowing river. Masterpara area is facing river erosion risks due to heavy rains and hill slopes. If the erosion problem is not immediately resolved, hundreds of houses will disappear, it is apprehended.

Local resident Mozaherul Islam said, "Due to Bankkhali River erosion, our houses can be submerged at any moment. Almost half of the mosque building has been submerged in the river. We, the locals, are now living in fear. Every year during the rainy season, we undergo such sufferings. Despite such a bad situation, the government is not taking any action."

About 200 families live in Masterpara and Paschimpara areas under Kachchhpia union. Due to incessant soil erosion for the past few years, the two areas of the union are on the verge of disappearing into the river.

Masterpara resident Jahangir Selim said more than 200 families live in two villages, Masterpara and Paschimpara. The river has started to erode and if effective preventive steps are not taken now, hundreds of families will lose their homes to the river.

"The river has already entered my yard. It is just a few feet away from my house. If effective measures are not taken right away, there is a possibility of sustaining major damage. He has sought the intervention of the Upazila Administration and Water Development Board in this regard. Ramu Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Rashedul Islam said several families are at risks due to river erosion, which has been informed by the Upazila Administration to the Water Development Board. Cox's Bazar Water Development Board Sub-Divisional Engineer Salahuddin Ahmed said, "We have informed the higher authorities about the matter." The official said that emergency work would be started soon to prevent erosion.