Kirtankhola River erosion turns severe

At least 25 shops and part of a madrasa on the eastern bank of the Kirtonkhola river at the Charkawa point, opposite the Barisal River Port, have been washed away, as the erosion turned severe within 26 hours, ending in early Tuesday.

 Enamul Huq Sagor, panel chairman of Charkawa union parishad, said severe erosion first hit the Charkawa Bazaar, bus stand and ferry ghat around 1am on Sunday. The second one came around 1:30am on Tuesday.  The first damaged 20 establishments and the second five in the area.

After cracks developed, there was erosion over a huge area. At least 25 shops and connecting roads were washed away within 26 hours, with the loss running into Tk. 3 crore. The erosion has now reached within 10 yards of the local UP office and is threatening the local madrasa. Locals said erosion by the Kirtankhola river at the Charkawa point has been going on since the last six decades, but the Water Development Board (WDB) has failed to implement any scheme to prevent it.

The authorities of Hamidia Fazil Madrasa said a portion of the institution, including four classrooms, have been washed away. Other properties too have been endangered. Suspension of classes have been announced till Thursday.

Ranjit Sarkar, a sweetmeat trader, pointing towards floating roofs, said his had two shops, which have been eroded. "I don't know how to maintain my family," he lamented.

While visiting the spot, this reporter saw panicked people moving their goods from the erosion-affected area. Faisal Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Barisal Bandar police station, said they are helping locals to move their belongings and providing security.  Teams of the Fire Brigade and police were found helping the affected people.

Some of the affected people alleged that a lack of initiative on the part of the WDB in recent years has worsened the situation.  

Abu Sayeed, executive engineer of the WDB's Barisal office, said they visited the spot and arranged dumping of geo-bags in the erosion-affected area as an emergency step. However, as the area is opposite Barisal town, it would be included in the “Barisal Town Protection Project-5" for a permanent solution.

The project proposal would be sent to ECNEC and after approval would be implemented as soon as possible, the WDB official added.

 

Kirtankhola River erosion turns severe

At least 25 shops and part of a madrasa on the eastern bank of the Kirtonkhola river at the Charkawa point, opposite the Barisal River Port, have been washed away, as the erosion turned severe within 26 hours, ending in early Tuesday. Enamul Huq Sagor, panel chairman of Charkawa union parishad, said severe erosion first hit the Charkawa Bazaar, bus stand and ferry ghat around 1am on Sunday. The second one came around 1:30am on Tuesday. The first damaged 20 establishments and the second five in the area. After cracks developed, there was erosion over a huge area. At least 25 shops and connecting roads were washed away within 26 hours, with the loss running into Tk. 3 crore. The erosion has now reached within 10 yards of the local UP office and is threatening the local madrasa. Locals said erosion by the Kirtankhola river at the Charkawa point has been going on since the last six decades, but the Water Development Board (WDB) has failed to implement any scheme to prevent it. The authorities of Hamidia Fazil Madrasa said a portion of the institution, including four classrooms, have been washed away. Other properties too have been endangered. Suspension of classes have been announced till Thursday. Ranjit Sarkar, a sweetmeat trader, pointing towards floating roofs, said his had two shops, which have been eroded. I dont know how to maintain my family, he lamented. While visiting the spot, this reporter saw panicked people moving their goods from the erosion-affected area. Faisal Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Barisal Bandar police station, said they are helping locals to move their belongings and providing security. Teams of the Fire Brigade and police were found helping the affected people. Some of the affected people alleged that a lack of initiative on the part of the WDB in recent years has worsened the situation. Abu Sayeed, executive engineer of the WDBs Barisal office, said they visited the spot and arranged dumping of geo-bags in the erosion-affected area as an emergency step. However, as the area is opposite Barisal town, it would be included in the Barisal Town Protection Project-5 for a permanent solution. The project proposal would be sent to ECNEC and after approval would be implemented as soon as possible, the WDB official added.