River erosion at three points along the Shaildah River in Tungipara upazila of Gopalganj is threatening the 3-km Lebutala-Dumuria Road, disrupting travel for around 30,000 people in 10 villages.
Around 1,200 metres of the riverbank at Sarabari, Chithalia and Chhoto Dumuria in Dumuria union have been affected by erosion. Water Development Board (WDB) is dumping sandbags as a temporary measure, while locals are demanding permanent protection.
Several sections of the road have already collapsed, forcing residents to take 9-10km detours. Around 50 homes, farmland, a water supply tank, schools and religious institutions are also at risk.
“River erosion has already washed away my home and land. Now the road is also disappearing,” said Mohammad Shamim Molla, 60, of Sarabari.
Some van drivers said parts of the road have collapsed or sunk, making it difficult to operate vehicles. “In some places, we have to ask passengers to get off. Tyres get punctured, chains break, and bearings and motors are damaged,” one of them said.
College student Hridoy Sheikh said 3,000-4,000 people use the road daily, but ambulances, fire service vehicles and other large vehicles can no longer access some sections. “If permanent protection is not provided immediately, the road will disappear into the river,” he said.
WDB Sub-Divisional Engineer Mohammad Zakaria Ferdous said erosion was occurring along a 1,200-metre stretch at three points. “We are dumping sandbags as a temporary measure. A permanent riverbank protection project is being taken up under the South East Project,” he said, adding that the project would help prevent further erosion.
Meanwhile, a 50-metre section of Water Development Board (WDB) embankment in Ashashuni upazila of Satkhira has collapsed, putting 12 villages at risk of flooding. The erosion occurred in the Sripur-Kurikahunia area of Pratapnagar union.
Locals said water could enter residential areas if the breach is not repaired immediately, potentially flooding Pratapnagar and neighbouring areas. Part of the WAPDA road alongside the embankment has also collapsed, making the route risky for commuters.
Residents began emergency repair work on a voluntary basis, dumping sand and soil along the damaged section.
Abdul Khaleq, a resident of Kurikahunia village, said locals live in constant fear of flooding. “We have to struggle with the river throughout the year. Just as our homes, trees and crops begin to recover, we face another threat of flooding,” he said, adding that thousands of fish enclosures could be washed away.
Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui, a resident of Sripur, said that if this section completely collapses, Pratapnagar and neighbouring Anulia union could also be inundated. “We urgently need the WDB to intervene,” he added.
Ashashuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shyamananda Kundu said he had asked the local union chairman to begin preliminary repair work and informed WDB. “WDB will start work soon,” he said.
Abdur Rahman Tazkia, executive engineer of WDB Satkhira Division-2, said, “About 50 metres of the embankment has been damaged. We will start work as soon as possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, locals continue working voluntarily to prevent the erosion from worsening. They fear that without swift action, the breach could expand and cause widespread damage to homes, farmland and fish enclosures.
