Over 200 dwellings, a school, a bazar, and vast tracts of croplands were devoured by the river
Over 200 homes and other establishments sank into the Jamuna river over the last few days as river erosion has taken a serious turn in Salimabad Paiksha Majhail in Nagarpur upazila of Tangail district.
Thousands of people living along the riverside have been passing their days in fear of erosion, while many have already shifted their homes and belongings to other places.
According to Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) sources in Tangail, the situation turned serious in the last couple of days due to strong currents created by the onrush of water from upstream and incessant rain.
The dreadful erosion started in a one kilometre stretch, which turned acute about three days ago.
Over 200 dwellings, a school, a bazar, and vast tracts of croplands were devoured by the river.
Villagers allege the WDB was informed of the matter but they have not taken any steps in this regard.
They also said every year hundreds of houses and vast tracts of croplands are devoured every year in the area.
Atiqur Rahman, assistant teacher of Paiksha Majhail Govt Primary school, said the education of three hundred students is uncertain as the school has been devoured by the river.
Shafiqul Islam, former general secretary of Nagarpur Govt College, said 300 houses, a masjid, a madrasa, a community clinic, and several establishments went into the riverbed in the last few days.
The victims of the erosion, most of whom did not get enough time to shift their homes to other places, took shelter with relatives or under the open sky, he said.
UNO Foizul Islam said the district administration and WDB officials have been informed.
“I hope they will take immediate steps,” he added.
Tangail BWDB Executive Engineer Serajul Islam said: "We have proposed a project to the higher authorities to build a permanent dam. Dam construction will commence when the proposal is approved."
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