The construction of an RCC retaining wall by the Forest Department along the banks of a stream in Madhabkunda Eco Park and Waterfall has put ten indigenous 'Khasia ' households on the opposite bank at risk of collapse.
Although there is ample space on the stream bank, the wall is being constructed in the middle of the stream, which threatens to wash away homes on the opposite side due to mountain runoff. Residents say if the wall had been built just 4–5 feet further up, their homes would have remained safe.
For nearly two months, the affected families have verbally informed Forest Department officials and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), but no action has been taken. Reportedly, the Sylhet Forest Department initiated a project titled "Forestation and Infrastructure Development to Address Adverse Effects of Climate Change in Sylhet Forest Region," under which a 500-meter-long and approximately 11-foot-high RCC retaining wall is being constructed at a cost of nearly BDT 1.9 crore (19 million).
However, the Khasi community lives right along the banks of the Madhabchhara stream, where their settlement includes 10 homes. The Forest Department began construction of the wall nearly in the middle of the stream without any plan to protect these households, despite the availability of ample space on the opposite bank. As a result, these Khasi homes now face the threat of being swept away during heavy rains and mountain floods.
During a field visit, the Headman (Mantri) of Madhab Punjee, Wanbor Lgiri, said that the Forest Department is constructing the wall with a faulty design, putting nearby homes at serious risk. “By leaving a large portion of the bank unused and building the wall too close to the center of the stream, the houses of 10 Khasi families will be swept away by mountain runoff,” he stated.
Those living in fear of displacement include Bining Lapasam, Kalpona Sarty, Pranati Yangyung, Jonjali Marlia, Jyotila Hajong, Emily Mukhim, Berenika Khain, Nibing Pohsnem, Liton Bunarjee, and Ailin Lgiri. “We repeatedly told Forest Department officials that just shifting the wall 4–5 feet away could save our homes from collapse,” the headman said. “But they replied that a separate project would be undertaken later to construct a wall on the opposite bank. If our homes are gone by then, what good will another project do?”
“We also informed the UNO verbally, saying this kind of construction would render 10 families homeless. Just a 4–5-foot adjustment would save our homes. Though the UNO asked for action, the Forest Department did not comply,” he added.
Assistant Forest Conservator Rezaul Islam Mridha stated that construction of the RCC retaining wall is ongoing on one bank of the Madhabchhara stream. “On the opposite bank, there are 10 Khasi family homes, and a project will be taken up later to build a guide wall to prevent erosion,” he said.
UNO Galib Chowdhury told The Country Today over the phone on Saturday afternoon, "I have not received any complaints regarding this matter. If any complaints are received, the issue will be resolved after speaking with the affected individuals."
