Nabaganga erosion threatens Tk 250m embankment

NARAIL, Mar 11 (UNB): Severe erosion by the Nabaganga River is threatening a riverbank protection embankment built at a cost of Tk 250 million (25 crore) in Kalia upazila of Narail district, sparking panic among more than 500 families living along the riverbank.Large sections of the embankment are gradually being devoured by the river, putting at risk at least five villages, including the centuries-old commercial hub of Mahajan Bazar.Residents fear they could lose their homes and livelihoods at any time if urgent protective measures are not taken.Local people alleged that despite repeated appeals and several human chains demanding action, authorities have yet to take effective steps to stop the erosion.According to locals, the riverbank protection project was undertaken about three decades ago by the Bangladesh Water Development Board to safeguard Mahajan Bazar and surrounding settlements.The project also aimed to protect schools, hospitals, religious institutions and other key establishments in the historic trading centre of the area.Construction of a permanent embankment began in 2005 along a 1.9-kilometre stretch of the Nabaganga River, from Mahajan Uttarpara to Ghoshibaria in Kalia upazila, they said.