Padma erosion puts 10 villages of Charghat in peril

RAJSHAHI, July 12: There has been a massive erosion in the Padma river at Yousufpur area under Charghat Upazila of Rajshahi. The river protection barrage has also been damaged due to heavy rainfall. As a result, around 10 villages several educational institutions and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) camp of the area are about to be flooded anytime. People of those areas are living in a vulnerable situation.

The locals claimed that few days ago a crack was discovered in the barrage. The Rajshahi Water Development Board (RWDB) was informed of the matter several times by different educational institutions and BGB office, but the authority did not take any step in this regard.

On Saturday, while this correspondent visited the area, a large part of the barrage was seen damaged.

While contacted, the headmaster of Yousufpur Agricultural High School Md. Emdadul Haque said the crack was found in the dam near the BGB camp. The news was reached to the authorities concerned but no action was taken by them.

A local youth Liton said Yousufpur Union is considered as a river erosion and flood-affected area. Every year the residents of the area lose their houses and lands due to river erosion.

He demanded for a permanent dam for saving the people, their lives and properties.

Harun-ar-Rashid, executive engineer of Rajshahi Water Development Board (RWDB) however said a little fracture has been spotted in the dam. It will be repaired within one or two days. "There is no reason to be afraid as the renovation team has reached to the spot and started to work." Mr. Rashid added.

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