Family homes, farmlands at risk as erosion worsens in Magura

Severe river erosion has taken devastating turns in Sreepur and Mohammadpur upazilas in Magura, as the fierce currents and surging waves of the Gorai and Madhumati rivers continue to devour vast areas of farmlands and roads.

Despite years of erosion, no effective government action has yet been taken to save people's property, leaving thousands of families sleepless in fear of losing their homes to the rivers.

According to local sources, in the past three years, about 20 acres of cropland in Kodla Majhipara area of Amalshar Union under Sreepur Upazila have been swallowed by the Gorai River. Recently, another five acres of farmland have disappeared into the river.

Azad Mia, a local resident, said, "The erosion has become so severe that hundreds of families have lost their farmland and trees."

"We don't know what our future holds. Only Allah can help us now," he added.

Manik Molya, a resident of Kodla village, said, "The river (Gorai) started eroding three years ago. Farmlands near our homes and embankments are being consumed. If the government doesn't act soon, we fear our homesteads will be next." Meanwhile, in Mohammadpur Upazila, the areas of Paturia, Char Jhamma, Harekrishnapur, Jhamma, Deuri, and Kashipur under Palashbaria Union have been hit hard by severe river erosion. Recently, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan visited the affected areas and assured locals urgent steps would be taken to prevent further erosion.

However, residents alleged that despite years of suffering, no effective measures have been implemented so far. The residents urged the government to install temporary protective embankments, or, geo-bags to stop the erosion.

Magura Water Development Board Executive Engineer, Sarwar Jahan Sujan, said, "We are aware of the erosion situation. Since there are no schools, colleges, mosques, or major establishments at risk, the affected areas mainly involve farmlands. Once the water level recedes, we plan to take emergency measures using geo-bags to control the erosion temporarily."

benapolejessore@gmail.com