Mostafizur Rahman Jahangir, Phulbari (Kurigram)

A culvert on an important road in the Chargorkamandal area has collapsed due to the strong current of the Dharla River in Phulbari, Kurigram.

This has caused about 50 feet of road to disappear, creating a large hole. As a result, communication between at least 500 families, including residents of three residences, has been virtually cut off for the past four days. Students, farmers, patients, and working people have suffered the most.

According to local sources, the water level of the Dharla River rose due to several days of continuous rain and upstream flooding, creating a strong current. When the river water entered the locality, the culvert collapsed under the pressure of the strong current late on Monday night.

At the same time, about 50 feet of road on both sides of the culvert also collapsed, creating a large hole.

This is one of the main roads from Anandabazar in Naodanga Union of Phulbari Upazila to Chargorkamondal area. The collapse of the culvert has stopped the movement of all types of vehicles including motorcycles, vans, auto-rickshaws. Locals are forced to use long alternative routes. This has increased both time and travel costs.

Local residents Abdul Salam, Ramzan Ali and Saidul Islam said that they have been demanding the construction of a permanent dam on the banks of the Dharla River in the Chargorkamondal area for a long time. But as no effective measures were taken, the culvert collapsed due to heavy rains and strong currents of the upstream flood. Now they have to cross waist-deep water with bicycles on their shoulders. They demanded the reconstruction of the road immediately.

Jahanara Begum and Shahina Begum, residents of the same area, said, "We have been in extreme suffering for four-five days. We have to cross water up to our knees. Our children have to go to school and college wet. More than five hundred families live here, including three houses. It is very important to quickly build a bridge or at least arrange for alternative transportation."

Khayer Jamal and his wife Monowara Begum said that the communication system in the area has collapsed due to one night's rain and the upstream landslide. Due to the broken road, it is not possible to go anywhere for emergency needs. They demanded that the road be repaired immediately.

Some students, including school student Naeem Mia, said they have to risk their lives to go to school by crossing the broken sections every day. Since there is no alternative route, they have to travel in water every day.

Naodanga Union Parishad Chairman Md. Hasen Ali said that the matter of the culvert collapse in the Chargorkamandal area has already been reported to the higher authorities. After a quick inspection of the affected area, initiatives will be taken to urgently provide alternative transportation and permanently rebuild the road, including a bridge.

In this regard, Upazila PIO Siraj Daulla said that there is no allocation for this project in the current fiscal year. However, if new allocation is received, initiatives will be taken to construct a bridge on a large scale.

UNO Dilara Akhter said that the matter has been reported to the Upazila Engineer. She assured that necessary measures will be taken to reduce the suffering of the local people after an on-site inspection.