Families fear erosion as portion of dam collapses in Saghata

A large portion of a dam built to prevent Jamuna River erosion at Haldia Union's Gobindapur in Gaibandha's Saghata Upazila has collapsed in a blink of an eye and locals alleged the negligence of the contractor appointed by the Water Development Board (WDB) is responsible for the incident.

The dam made of cement concrete (CC) blocks and geo bags is part of an embankment construction project across the district for which the government allocated Tk 8.3 billion. Hundreds of families in the locality are afraid of the damage river erosion may cause due to the collapse and are angry about the wastage of public funds. They alleged that the contractor violated rules and schedule for CC block sloping and tried to finish the work quickly. Sources said the collapse occurred before the WDB "officially took over the work."

Local resident Suman Mia said, "Erosion has occurred in some places due to the increased water pressure from upstream. If we take quick action, it will be possible to prevent river erosion." Another resident, Saju, said, if the WDB had worked properly such a collapse would not have happended. "As if no one was watching," he added.

One, Matiar Rahman, said the collapse had occurred even though flood is yet to start. "We are helplessly watching."

Gaibandha Water Development Board Executive Engineer Shariful Islam said the progress of the work in the area is currently at 55 to 56 per cent.

"The contractor is dressing it so that it does not collapse during the rainy season. The work will be completed by December. That is why the dumping is not proper."

He said improper dumping has resulted into back erosion. "That is why the blocks have gone down due to scouring."

"Since the work is ongoing, the contractor will definitely fix it when the water recedes," he added.

atik.mms2014@gmail.com