Erosion leaves over 100 households at risk

“Every night we go to bed fearing our house could disappear into the river before morning,” said Anhar Mia, standing beside a cracked flood protection embankment in Moulvibazar’s Kamalganj upazila.

Although floodwaters in the Dhalai river have receded, erosion along the riverbank has intensified, putting more than 100 households at risk and leaving residents fearing further collapses.

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On July 16, around 30 feet of the embankment and an adjoining road caved into the river in the Kumrakapan area of Kamalganj municipality, disrupting communication and putting at least five families at immediate risk of displacement.

“We noticed cracks in the embankment for several days. As the water receded, a large section suddenly collapsed into the river. We have lost the road, and my house could fall into the river at any moment,” Anhar said.

Residents said erosion has continued despite the falling water level.

“People thought the danger would pass once the water receded, but the embankment is collapsing in one place after another,” said Dildar Hossain.

With no immediate protection in place, some residents have started reinforcing the riverbank with bamboo poles and fencing.

A visit to the area found a large section of the embankment washed away, severing the road, while several houses now stand only a few metres from the eroding bank. Fresh cracks have appeared at several points, and erosion has also begun near a cemetery at Alepur village under Ward 5 of the municipality.

Locals said the homes of Abdul Mia and Anhar Mia are among those at greatest risk.

Jamshed Mia alleged that sand extraction near vulnerable sections of the riverbank had worsened the erosion. However, residents have no objection to extraction from legally leased areas if it is carried out in accordance with regulations.

He called for urgent steps to protect the vulnerable sections.

Kamalganj Sadar Union Parishad Chairman Abdul Hannan said he had inspected the affected areas and informed the upazila administration and the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).

Kamalganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer and municipal administrator Md Asaduzzaman said discussions had been held on urgently repairing the vulnerable sections and the authorities had assured him of necessary measures.

Md Khaled Bin Olid, executive engineer of BWDB in Moulvibazar, said officials had inspected the damaged sections and emergency repair work had begun.

Project proposals for permanent protection of other vulnerable stretches have also been submitted to higher authorities, he added.