Devastating erosion by the mighty Meghna River has rendered thousands of people homeless and devoured homesteads, mandirs, including vast tracts of land in Harishava of the Puranbazar area of the district.
Water Development Board Executive Engineer Abu Raihan and Sub Assistant Engineer Ashrafuzzaman Khan said strong currents, huge waves and an onrush of flood waters from the upper regions are causing the erosion.
On a visit to the area on Monday it was found that the authorities were trying to stop the erosion by erecting a barrier made of concrete cement blocks, stones, CC blocks and sand-bags to protect the area.
Subhash Chandra Roy, president of the distriict Puja Udjapin Committee said the Meghna has devoured the basements of four Hindu Temples along with other houses on the Harishava Road.
When contacted, Water Development Board Engineer Mohammad Rafiqullah said they have placed 2,500 geobags at vulnerable points till 6 pm on Sunday.
Sub Assistant Engineer Ashrafuzzaman Khan, who surveyed the depth of the river, said it was about 45 to 65 feet at different points of the erosion area, and a length of almost 200 metres had been eroded.
Another 500-metre area is under threat of fresh erosion as many cracks have developed in different spots.
Meanwhile, hundreds of curious men, women and children gathered at the erosion-heavy sites where police, and DB men were deployed to prevent people from visiting or loitering around vulnerable points.
Local councilor Md Ali Majhee said at least 35 families have lost their homes so far due to the erosion along 200 metres of the town protection embankment.
Many families are on the verge of becoming homeless, he added.
Deputy Commissioner Shawkkat Osman said the district administration has taken steps to take the victims to safer places.
Deputy Minister for Water Resources AKM Enamul Haque Shamim MP visited the area on Monday.
He said, " We have taken steps to protect the area from the river erosion."
