River erosion takes serious turn in Narail

NARAIL, Dec 3 (BSS): Continuous erosion of the two mighty rivers- Madhumati and Nabaganga- is threatening the existence of homesteads,farmlands,public institutions and economic centres at 35 villages in Kalia and Lohagora upazilas of Narail district. A vast tract of farmland and 50 dwelling houses of Mahajan and Ghosibaria villages under Mauli union in Kalia upazila of the district were devoured by the rivers in the last two week. The affected people have made a fervent appeal to the government to take immediate measures to save their lives and properties. The erosion over the years is changing the geographical map of Lohagora and Kalia upazilas in Narail, Alphadanga upazila in Faridpur, Kashiani and Gopalganj Sadar upazila in Gopalganj district. The erosion-hit villages are Amdanga, Shalnagar, Itna, Dholoitola, Karfa,Mollikpur,Kalna,Mohishapara,Shiorbar,Astail,Ariara, B akjuri,Kot-akhol,Ghaga,Telkara in Lohagora upazila, Mohajon, Ghoshibari, Bordia, Patna, Islampur,Chanderchar,Shuktagram,Noagram,Bendarchar, Diadanga,Peroli,Madhapasa,Baroipara and Gajirhat in Kalia upazila and Gopalpur and Panail village in Alphadanga upazila. A good number of schools, colleges, religious institutions, metal and earthen roads, launch terminals, ferry ghats and thousands hectares of crop lands are on the verge of abolition because of the unabated erosion. The affected institutions are Mollikpur High School, Mohajan-Ghosibaria High School, Itna High School and College, Bhatiapara Railway station, Bordia High School and Primary School, Munsi Manik Mia Degree College,Mohajan Sonali Bank, Kalia Telephone Exchanges and Gazirhat High School. Bordia Bazar,once a big jute trade centre in greater Jessore, has been reduced to nearly half in the past few years due to the erosion. Mauli union parishad chairman Firoz khan said 'Nabaganga river erosion has taken a serious turn here.Everyday many homesteads and cropland are being devoured by the rivers leaving thousands of people homeless in the union. Most of the erosion victims have taken shelter in the neighbouring villages,the chairman added.