River erosion devastates Tangail’s Mirzapur

Erosion in the bank of the Jhenai River has intensified in many areas of Mirzapur upazila of Tangail due to a rise in the water level. 

The erosion has already swallowed over 50 houses. Besides, the Kurni-Fatepur paved road has been damaged and communication with the upazila headquarters has been cut off.

According to local residents, the river water has been rising at an unusual rate for the past few days. Erosion has occurred in the Fatepur, Palpara, Ek Takka Bazar, Bankata and Tholpara areas along the banks of the Jhenai River.

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The intensity of erosion is highest in the Palpara area. Already five to six houses in that area have been lost in the river. 

Besides, 50 houses are on the verge of being swallowed – their occupants are now relocating.

Several parts of the Kurni-Fatepur paved road have already become damaged in the Ek Takar bazar area due to erosion. As a result, the direct road approaching the upazila headquarters and the northern part of the affected area has been cut off. 

People in the affected areas are now travelling to the upazila centre through the alternative Hilda-Adabari road.

Fatepur Bazar trader Ibrahim Sikdar said no action has been taken to prevent erosion in the areas. If immediate action is not taken, there is a risk of major damage, he added. 

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Fatepur Union Parishad Chairman Abdur Rauf said that he has informed the local MP and UNO after receiving the news of river erosion. He said that they have assured to take measures to prevent erosion.

Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) Executive Engineer Sajjad Hossain said that he has been informed about the erosion. A delegation of the BWDB has been sent to identify the areas affected by erosion, said the engineer. 

He said that the matter has been informed to the higher authorities.