100 families lose homes in 15-day river erosion in Chilmari
Chilmari (Kurigram) Correspondent
As the water level of the Brahmaputra River begins to rise again in Chilmari, Kurigram, erosion has reappeared. Already, 100 families have relocated their homes. In addition, government and non-government establishments, as well as cultivable lands and residences in the area, are under threat.
Locals say if immediate action is not taken to prevent the erosion, everyone will be left homeless. The Water Development Board authorities have assured that measures will be taken to curb the erosion. Severe erosion has been observed in the Bajradiar Khata area of the Brahmaputra in Nayarhat Union of the upazila.
On Saturday (June 14), in the Bajradiar Khata area of Nayarhat Union, it was seen that erosion has been ongoing for the past 15 days. Despite hurrying, affected people are struggling to move their homes. From morning, many have been seen carrying parts of their houses on their heads to safer locations. Some are even using boats to transport broken parts of their homes elsewhere. Locals say the intensity of the erosion has been increasing over the past few days.
It has been reported that 100 families in Nayarhat Union have already fallen victim to the Brahmaputra's fierce erosion. Farmlands, electric poles, and both government and private schools and madrasas in the area are at risk. Upon further investigation, it was found that in just the last week, erosion in the Bajradiar Khata area has devoured the homesteads of Mokhlesur Rahman, Motaleb, Ful Mia, Majeda, Ajitan, Zabanur, and several others. Over just three days, a government shelter, madrasa, and graveyard have been destroyed. In addition, around 400 families were affected by erosion last year.
Local resident Mokhlesur Rahman said, "We have been living on this char (river island) for several years. Last year, the char was massively affected by erosion. But due to the lack of proper action, we are again victims of river erosion this year. We want the char to be protected quickly so that we can live peacefully. Otherwise, we’ll be forced to leave it."
Local UP member Rafiqul Islam Uzzal said, "Due to a slight decrease in the river’s water level, erosion has started. Over the past several days, many houses have collapsed. My own house is by the riverbank, so I am relocating as well. We have been living on this char for 30 years. Because of the erosion, we now have to move elsewhere. I have informed the UP secretary about the situation."
Chilmari UNO Sabuj Kumar Basak said, “No one has informed me about the erosion in Nayarhat. I’m learning about it through you. I will now speak to the Water Development Board about this issue.”
Executive Engineer of Kurigram Water Development Board (WDB), Md. Rakibul Hasan, said, “We have a plan to send some geo-bags to Shakahati, but I was not aware of the situation in Nayarhat Union.”
