Erosion by the Jamuna River has taken a turn for the worse in Sariakandi upazila of Bogra. A vast tract of cropland has been devoured by the mighty river in the last few days. More than fifty families are now preparing to dismantle their homes and move to safer places. Residents living on the river banks also fear losing their homesteads.
Every year during the monsoon, erosion by the Jamuna River takes a serious turn in Sariakandi. However, erosion usually subsides as water recedes. Due to a decline in water levels over the past few months, the Jamuna River has almost dried up. But erosion has turned severe even in the dry season this year.
For the past few days, erosion has been continuing at Char Ghaguwa village under Kazla union in the upazila. A stretch of about two kilometres has already been affected. The homesteads of two families have been swallowed by the river, forcing them to relocate elsewhere.
About 500 bighas of cropland in this village have been engulfed by the river within a few days. Farmers had recently cultivated chilli, paddy, maize, and other crops on these lands. Chilli fields, along with other croplands, are being lost to the river. In some places, farmers are hastily harvesting paddy that has been affected by river erosion.
In addition, villagers are seen busy dismantling their houses in some areas. Some are removing pillars, some are untying ropes of their homes, while others are working together to transport the roofs. Around fifty families in the village are under threat from the erosion. They are preparing to take down their homes and relocate.
Tota Fakir (70) of Char Ghaguwa village said, “For the past few days, erosion by the Jamuna River has taken a serious turn. The sound of the collapsing banks keeps us awake at night. In just a few days, our chilli, paddy, and other crops have disappeared into the river. We are becoming completely destitute as we took out huge loans to cultivate these crops.”
Anisur Rahman, member of Kazla Union Parishad, said that in the past few days, two families have lost their homesteads to the river erosion. More than 500 bighas of cropland have vanished. Around fifty families are living in fear due to the continuous erosion.
Villagers have urged the Water Development Board to immediately take steps to control the erosion.
Humayun Kabir, Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Bogra Water Development Board, said, “We have already inspected the erosion-hit area at Char Ghaguwa village. As an emergency measure, we have planned to place geo bags along a 340-metre stretch. Additionally, a development project proposal has been prepared for permanent protection in the entire area. This will protect the villagers from river erosion.”
