Riverbank erosion turns alarming

LALMONIRHAT, July 09: Teesta and Dharla riverbank erosion has taken a serious turn in many places as floodwater has started receding from the affected areas in five upazilas of the district.
Locals said the overall flood situation in the district is improving. But, soil erosion started at many points of Teesta and Dharla river basin areas of Aditmari and Hatibandha upazilas.
According to locals, a good number of homesteads have been devoured by the rivers in the last few days.
Most low-lying areas of five upazilas of the district went under water due to incessant rain and onrush of upstream water from India.
Upstream water and heavy rain triggered a flash flood in Teesta and Dharla river basin areas, leaving the low-lying areas inundated.
Several thousand villagers of some unions of five upazilas were badly affected by the flooding.
Crops on a vast tract land were damaged while roads and communications disrupted in many areas due to water-lodging.
During a visit to Kalmati area of Sadar upazila on Tuesday, this correspondent found people cutting their trees and shifting their valuables as soil erosion has turned serious.
Azizul Islam, 60, a resident of this area, said four homesteads devoured in recent erosion.
Abujar Sha Alam said that they cannot remember how many times they shifted their homes.
Moshiur Rahaman, chairman of Dawabari union, said 65 homesteads have already been eroded by floodwater in the last 10 days.
"Soil erosion has taken a serious turn at many places of this union."
Mosaddek Hossen, chairman of Mohishkhocha union, said that a mosque has already been devoured at his union few days' ago.
Local administration has distributed rice and dry food among flood victims, he also said.
Hatibandha Upazilla Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Atikul Islam said the overall flood situation is improving in everywhere of the upazila. The Teesta is now flowing under the danger level.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Extension (DAE) in Lalmonirhat, said that Ropa Aman seed beds on 102 hectares of land were affected by the flood.
Vegetables on 77 hectares of land were also hit hard by the flooding.
When contacted, Shunil Kumar, executive engineer of the Water Development Board (WDB) in Lalmonirhat, said the flooding is improving with water receding from localities.
"We are dumping GEO bags at deferent point of the erosion-hit areas to protect homesteads.

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