Madhumati river erosion threatens villages in Magura's Mohammadpur Upazila

MAGURA, Sept 22: Erosion by the Madhumati River has taken a devastating turn in Mohammadpur Upazila of Magura, with at least eight villages facing severe risk. Locals report that the erosion has been ongoing for years without any permanent measures to mitigate it.
The most affected villages include Jhama, Harekrishnapur, Moheshpur, Airmaghi, Raipur, Ruizani, Kashipur and Volanathpur. Residents fear that if the erosion continues, entire settlements may soon be lost to the river.
So far, the river has devoured nearly 4 kilometres of land in these villages, rendering 22 families homeless. Around 300 more families remain at high risk. Locals warn that the erosion could intensify at any time, displacing hundreds more and damaging vast areas of cropland.
Villagers blame illegal sand lifting, absence of permanent embankments, and lack of regular dredging as the primary reasons behind the worsening erosion. Sand is reportedly being extracted unlawfully at five points of the river: Jhama, Harekrishnapur, Kashipur, Babukhali, and Salamatpur.
They also point to the formation of numerous chars (sandbars) along the river, which have altered the natural flow and intensified pressure on the riverbanks.
"I have moved my home three times in the last 50 years due to erosion. My current house is also at risk," said Alinur, a resident of Jhama village.
He added, "Influential people are involved in illegal sand lifting. Though mobile courts occasionally conduct drives, the activity resumes after a short pause."
Rezaul Islam from Ruizani village said, "Two months ago, I prepared a seedbed for Aman paddy. It was completely destroyed by the erosion."
Ashutosh Dey of Harekrishnapur said, "The government has distributed relief, but what we truly need is a permanent solution to stop this erosion."
Mohammadpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shahina Akhter said she has already visited the erosion-affected areas and distributed relief materials to the victims.
Sarwar Jahan Shujan, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board (WDB), said: "We have placed geo bags in the vulnerable areas, and the situation is now under control."
When asked about dredging, he cited institutional limitations: "Dredging is done based on recommendations from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). The WDB cannot independently carry out dredging."