Rajshahi protection embankment threatened by Padma\\\'s erosion

RAJSHAHI, Aug 5 (BSS): The massive and unabated erosion in the river Padma has been posing a serious threat to the city protection embankment, officials and others concerned said here.
In the wake of both rising and receding floodwater in the mighty river, erosion is continuing at different places, especially Bulanpur Zianagar, Sonaikandi and Noboganga. People have become panicked by the devastating situation in apprehension of loosing dwelling houses and croplands.
Nazrul Islam, Chairman of Haripur Union Parishad, said river erosion has taken a serious turn in around five-kilometer area with the rise of floodwaters in the river Padma.
Along the bank of the river, the affected people are passing their days with deep anxiety due to their vulnerable condition.  Houses of around 500 families were reportedly facing the threat of erosion at present, he added.
If this situation continues, he apprehended that hundreds of dwelling houses along with schools, mosques and crops lands would be devoured by Padma. "The erosion has eaten up vast tract of crop fields, especially paddy and jute," said Nazrul Islam.
In Sonaikandi, city's western area, the erosion is taking place massively due to strong water current. Likewise, the erosion has taken a serious turn in a three-kilometer area from Berpara to Noboganga via Sonaikandi where two big embankments are there to protect the city protection embankment. "If the erosion prolongs, the embankments might not be protected," said Shahabuddin, Superintending Engineer of BWDB.
Besides, various other areas along the river, particularly Zianagar and Bulanpur are also facing serious threat of the erosion as the areas have standing crops and mango orchards on hundred acres of land.
Meanwhile, Fazley Hossain Badsha, MP, Rajshahi Mayor Mosaddique Hossain Bulbul, Paba UNO Razzaqul Islam, BWDB Superintending Engineer Shahabuddin, Executive Engineer Harun-Or-Rahid and others concerned visited some of the affected areas.