Meghna riverbank protection dam in Matlab at risk of collapse

The soil erosion of Meghna riverbank protection dam in Matlab Uttar Upazila of the district has taken a serious turn, creating panic among local people.

The embankment in two unions of the upazila has developed cracks and may collapse anytime, locals said.

Thousands of people living in the riverbank areas are passing days in panic, sources said.

During the last few weeks, about two kilometre areas of the dam in Sonarpar and Sankibhanga villages under Farajikandi and Jahirabad unions of this upazila are facing a risk of collapse.

The sand-filled bags and concrete cement blocks are rolling down the river beds due to the strong current in the river.

Several thousand families, Farajikandi UP office, health complex, launch ghat, schools, madrasas, mosques, and a few other establishments of Farajikandi and Jahirabad unions are under constant threat of erosion by the river.

In the recent times, around 300 metre areas have been eaten up by the river erosion.

In 2017, the permanent riverbank protection dam was constructed here by the local WDB with the financial support from the Climate Change Trust Fund for the safety of people and property.

During a recent visit to the erosion and vulnerable sites, it has been found that around 800 metre areas in Farajikandi union and one and a half km areas in Jahirabad union are under serious threat of erosion.

Talking to the FE, Meghna-Dhonagoda Water Development Board Sub-Assistant Engineer Jahangir Hossain has also confirmed the news.

Jahirabad Union Chairman Md Selim Mia and Farajikandi UP Chairman Rezaul Karim have called upon the Water Development Board to take urgent steps to protect the dam from farther erosion.

"Due to political clashes, the dam's work could not be completed properly and now we are facing threat of fresh erosion by the Meghna."

Meghna-Dhonagoda Water Development Board Executive Engineer Md Selim Shahed has told The FE, "WDB has already studied the eroded and vulnerable areas."

"We're keeping contact with the higher authorities to repair the dam. As soon as possible, the dam work will be started," he assured.

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