Saidul Islam Montu, Betagi (Barguna) 

 Severe soil erosion beneath and along with  multiple RCC roads across Betagi Municipality in Barguna has severely compromised structural integrity, leaving residents facing daily risks of accidents and perilous travel conditions.

According to local sources, vulnerable stretches span a total of four kilometers across several municipal wards. Affected arteries include the road from the local food warehouse via Sobhan Member's house to Kewabunia in Ward 1; the route from Das Bridge via Mallick House to Napit House in Ward 2; the corridor from Town Bridge via the high school to the sluice gate in Ward 4; and the thoroughfare from Sobdar Chan Munshi's shrine to the Upazila Health Complex in Ward 8.

The erosion has left sections hollowed out and fragile, endangering hundreds of daily commuters, including women, children, elderly residents, patients, students, teachers, traders, and farmers.

Locals attribute much of the structural damage in Ward 1 to overloaded Mahindra transport vehicles carrying heavy stone blocks, sand, and cement for riverbank protection projects along the route from the food warehouse to Kewabunia. Commuters have urged authorities to inspect the vulnerable spots immediately and install warning signs or red flags to prevent mishaps.

Forkan Hossain, an English teacher who regularly uses the route, noted that travelers from Jhopkhali, North Betagi, and Ward 1 must navigate the eroded paths in constant fear, calling on municipal authorities to erect warning markers without delay.

CNG driver Md. Afzal Hossain added that night travel poses extreme hazards for rickshaws, easy-bikes, and motorcycles. Residents have expressed growing frustration over the lack of swift remedial action to mitigate public suffering and prevent potential fatalities.

Addressing the crisis, Betagi Mayor Muh. Saddam Hossain acknowledged the alarming nature of the erosion and its impact on public mobility, stating that he has instructed the municipal engineering department to expedite the construction of retaining guide walls and initiate permanent repairs.

Betagi Municipal Executive Engineer Md. Jassim Uddin affirmed that public safety remains a top priority and confirmed that administrative steps are underway to restore safe passage. Local residents continue to urge swift, durable reconstruction across all damaged municipal roads to ensure secure community transit.