Partial views of soil erosion-affected areas along Dakatia riverbank in Islampur Gachhtola village in Sadar Upazila of Chandpur — FE Photo 
CHANDPUR, Nov 11: As many as 20 dwelling houses have been devoured by the Dakatia River in a week due to soil erosion in Islampur Gachhtola area under Bagadi union of Sadar Upazila of the district.
Sources say more than 150 families have been rendered homeless due to the riverbank erosion in the last 12 years.
Now the water level of the river that crisscrosses through Bagadi union of Chandpur Sadar upazila is falling down as the rainy season is just over.
As the river water has started receding, soil erosion has intensified in Islampur Gachhtola area of Bagadi union.
Sources said several hundred families living in the adjoining areas are facing risk of the riverbank erosion.
Officials concerned visited the erosion-prone areas, but they did nothing despite assuring locals of resolving the problem.
Meanwhile, the affected people formed a human chain in the soil erosion-affected area on Friday to press home their demand.
They called upon the authorities concerned to construct a permanent dam with a view to protecting their homes and valuable properties in Islampur Gachhtola area.
The riverbank erosion has made many families panicked at Ghoramara village on the outskirts of Chandpur district town.
In the last few weeks, at least 100-metre riverbank has been washed away due to the gradual erosion by this river.
Ashrayan Project is located at the village where a good number of rootless families have been residing. They are under constant threat from soil erosion.
A rail line is not far from the erosion point, said Habibur Rahman Khan, a former councillor.
Local elites have demanded the construction of a permanent dam on this riverbank.
When contacted, BWDB executive engineer Jahirul Islam has told the FE, "We've visited the erosion spots and submitted a proposal in this regard. After a study, work will start."
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