GAIBANDHA, Sept 24: Some 700 dwelling houses along with a vast tract of cropland are at risk due to erosion by the Teesta river in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha district.
The situation is deteriorating gradually in Chandipur, Tarapur, Belka, Horipur, Sreepur and Kapasia unions of the upazila.
The continuous erosion has already engulfed over 1,000 acres of paddy and vegetable fields.
The inhabitants of Horipur and Sreepur unions have been suffering much for over the last couple of weeks. The people of the unions are passing worrying time round the clock as it may take more serious turn any time.
"I am tired shifting their houses frequently as the erosion hits the area," said Nizam Uddin under Belka union. "My two tin-shed rooms have already being eroded", he added.
Chairman of Haripur union Nafiul Islam said higher authority has already been informed about the matter. "If adequate fund is allocated, we will be able to start rehabilitation to the erosion-hit villagers", he added.
The prolonged erosion has already affected schools, colleges and madrasas in the area, said sub-assistant engineer of Water Development Board (WDB) Mujibur Rahman.
He said some 2.0 km-long village protection embankment has already been damaged here.
Kapasia UP Chairman Md Jalal Uddin said if the authority concerned does not take immediate steps, erosion will affect more people.
UNO Solaiman Ali said to protect the dam, geo bags have already been placed in the riverbanks.
Executive Engineer of WDB Muklesur Rahman said effective measures will be taken as soon as possible.
State Minister for Water Recourses Ministry Zahid Faruq visited the area recently and called for construction of some 5400 metre-long village protection embankment.
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