River erosion turns alarming in Chandpur’s Matlab upazila

Hundreds of people in Char Luxmipur village under Matlab Uttar Upazila of the district have been passing days at a risk of losing their homes due to the erosion by the Dhonagoda River.

In the recent months, the riverbank erosion has taken a serious turn, devouring houses of one hundred families of the poor people, their croplands and many other establishments.

Most people of this village are living on farming or cultivating various crops of other people.

According to local people, around 4,500 people are living in this village.

There are a government primary school, a madrasa, a mosque, an Eidgha maidan, a holy shrine (mazar) and a few private institutions in this village.

Due to the serious erosion by the river for the past three months, the villagers are left with no other means to survive.

Talking to the FE, former Upazila Chairman Liakat Ali Prodhan has said, "I approached ex-MP Mofazzol Hossain Chowdhury Maya several times in this vital matter. He gave me assurance, but no effect at last."

Talking to the FE, Char Luxmipur Govt Pry School Headmaster Jamal Sakib has said the riverbank erosion has intensified in the past three months and now the erosion point is not far from the school area. There are about two hundred little learners in this school. So, we appeal to the adviser concerned to take quick steps in this regard.

Md Selim Shahed, executive engineer at Meghna-Dhonagoda Irrigation Project Embankment, has said, "We'll visit the spot soon and then take urgent steps following the directive from the higher authorities.''

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