Kurigram: At least 200 families in Sadar upazila have become rendered homeless due to erosion of the Dharla River over the last week, reports UNB. The river also eroded some 200 metre embankment in Moglabasa union of the upazila. Local people said erosion by the Dharla River has continued to devour homesteads, business establishments and crop lands. Besides, the only one road connecting the union with the district headquarters is at risk and may go into the gorge of the river. Abul Kabiraj, a victim, said, “I have lost everything as the Dharla River had devoured everything in the sudden erosion. I just managed to save the tin-roof of my house and took refuge at the road side”.
Dudu Mia, another victim, said, “I have managed to remove my houses but I have been starving with my family for the last four days. The local administration did not provide us with any money or food.”
Nuruzzaman Bablu, chairman of Moglabasa Union, said, “We have informed the matter to the local Water Development Board (WDB) and the UNO. We have submitted memorandums to the authorities concerned but they did not pay any heed. The recent river erosion rendered 200 families homeless.”
A list of the victims has been sent to the local upazila nirbahi officer for relief and fund, he added.
Mokhlesur Rahman, deputy-divisional engineer of Kurigram WDB, said initiative has been taken to stop the river erosion.
At first, a belt of bamboos stumps have been placed at the river bank, and other necessary steps will be taken after the allocation is made, he said.