Severe Sandhya River erosion threatens homes, farmland

Riverbank erosion along the Sandhya River in Banaripara upazila of Barishal district has worsened significantly in recent days, threatening homes, croplands, and local infrastructure, according to a press release.

Local residents said several meters of riverbank have already been swallowed by rising waters, putting dozens of families at risk of displacement. The worst-affected areas include low-lying villages near the river, where continuous erosion has damaged homesteads and forced many residents to relocate temporarily.

"I lost a portion of my farmland overnight," said Nurul Islam, a farmer from the area. "If this continues, we will have nowhere to go."

Several villages under Saliabakpur and Chakhar unions-including Goailbari, Khodabakhsha, Khejurbaria, Bashar, Chalitabari, and Chirapara-have already lost numerous houses to the river.

According to on-site observations, erosion has continued for decades along the riverbanks. As a result, Khodabakhsha Dakhil Madrasa and many nearby homes are now under serious threat. Many families, having been affected multiple times by erosion, have lost everything and are now living in extreme hardship.

Among the victims, the houses of Rasel Master, Delwar Hossain, Md. Nasir Uddin, and several others have already been swallowed by the river.

Locals report that new areas are being eroded every day, leaving residents in constant fear.