The rising water levels of the Jamuna River, specifically in Sariakandi of Bogra, have intensified erosion due to strong currents.
Over the past month, erosion has been steadily encroaching on the area adjacent to Char Ghagua Naughat of Kajala union.
Already, 23 houses have been lost to the river, with a significant portion of croplands being submerged.
As a result of this erosion, many residents are abandoning their homes and seeking refuge in safer shelters. Approximately 32,000 individuals, along with 17 social and educational institutions spread across four villages, now face the imminent threat of erosion.
The affected individuals are urgently calling for intervention from authorities to prevent further damage from erosion.
The villages at risk, namely Char Ghagua, Tengrakura, North Tengrakuri, Pakerdah, Mollapara and Gajar neighbourhoods of Kajla union, collectively house 32,000 people. In these villages, there are ten mosques, a primary school, a secondary school, a madrasa, a community clinic and a union health centre – all of which are now in danger of collapsing.
Char Ghagua, situated in Kajla union, was found to have various seasonal crops, including maize and jute, in its fields. Unfortunately, the relentless erosion by the Jamuna River has swept away these crops. Several families reside within a 50-yard radius of the eroded riverbank and now must stay awake throughout the night due to the constant fear of further erosion.
Tota Mia, 55, a resident of the village, shared that his family has lived there since 1982. Recently, he has been assisting in relocating neighbours to safer areas. Such activities left them with little time to eat.
Arjina Begum, a 45-year-old housewife, expressed the difficulty of relocating due to the river erosion. Breaking down the homes that were built over time is an arduous task. All the land they once owned has been lost in the river. Arjina, who married at a young age in the residence, lamented that this would be the last time she cooked in her home.
Anis Mia, a member of the local union parishad, warned that if the river erosion remains unchecked, Char Ghagua will be entirely swallowed by the river. Currently, conservation efforts are underway on the northern side of the village's riverbank. Extending this work by an additional kilometre could potentially save the village, he added.
Anis appealed to the relevant government department to urgently put temporary geo bags in place as a preventive measure against further erosion.
Nazmul Haque, executive engineer at the Bangladesh Water Development Board's Bogra office, confirmed that officials have been dispatched to assess the extent of erosion in Sariakandi. They have been instructed to take immediate action and deploy geo bags in vulnerable areas to mitigate the damage caused by erosion, he added.
