River erosion takes serious turn onset of monsoon, coastal people in panic in Tongibari
Md. Masum, Tongibari (Munshiganj)
River erosion has occurred around the Taltala-Gourganj canal in Tongibari upazila of Munshiganj.
People are blaming the free movement of bulkheads for the river erosion before the onset of monsoon. Despite the low water level in the river, hundreds of bulkheads are passing through this canal to different places every day. Due to this, the bulkhead waves have caused erosion on both sides of the canal. As a result, people on the banks of the river are spending their days in panic.
A few days ago, the bulkhead lost control and entered a business establishment in Baligaon Bazar and a house on the west bank of the canal on the south side of the market, damaging the house. In addition, ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, trawlers carrying sacrificial animals, cows and goats, from different parts of the country have started moving on this canal. Cattle traders fear that these animal-carrying trawlers may be involved in accidents due to the movement of bulkheads.
Talking to some cattle traders, it was learned that hundreds of trawlers carrying cows, buffaloes, and goats move through this canal every year, centered around the sacrificial animal market. This year too, cattle trawlers have started moving. However, the concern is that bulkheads are moving freely through this canal. Accidents have occurred at various times due to the movement of these bulkheads. Despite the district administration's ban on the movement of bulkheads in this canal, bulkhead movement has not stopped. We want these illegal bulkhead movements to be stopped to avoid accidents.
On August 5, 2023, the Munshiganj district administration declared a ban on the movement of bulkheads in this canal after 10 people, including women and children, were killed when a trawler sank after being hit by a bulkhead in that canal. But even after the ban on bulkhead traffic, a criminal gang has been helping to cross the bulkhead in that canal by taking bribes from the bulkhead owners.
Talking to several bulbhead drivers plying in this canal, it was learned that a syndicate has been extorting money from the bulkhead drivers in that canal for a long time. They throw away cash while going to the bulbhead. They have to pay 1,000 to 1,500 taka for each bulbhead. In exchange for money, they help to cross the bulbhead that has been banned in the canal.
Meanwhile, despite the existence of two toll plazas, there is constant corruption due to lack of government accountability, and the government is losing revenue due to this. If they cannot be stopped now, this bulbhead sand gang syndicate will become more dangerous day by day.
Tongibari Police Station OC Md. Mohidul Islam said that action will be taken after investigation.
