Negligence in bathymetric survey & lack of maintenance in due time blamed

Ashraful Islam Joy:

Despite the fall of water level in the beginning of dry season, about 60 meters stretch of Bank Protection Dam near Meghai point in Kazipur upazila of Sirajganj district collapsed into the Jamuna river in the last 24 hours due to its strong current, officials said.

Though, the workers of Water Development Board (WDB) with the help of Army personnel lent their hands to resist the erosion instantly, local residents are apprehending that the erosion may take serious turn in future despite the current efforts. They are in fear of losing their homesteads and croplands due to devastation of erosion during this dry season.

They blamed lack of proper maintenance by the authorities concerned for the untimely erosion at the embankment. Besides, negligence in conducting bathymetric survey in the river along the embankment is another reason behind taking the erosion serious turn, they seem.

Hafizur Rahman, Sub-Divisional Engineer of WDB in Sirajganj told The Daily Sky that, “The erosion along the river bank protection dam was started on Friday night. The workers of WDB and Army personnel under supervision of Senior Warrant Officer and Acting Commander of Kazipur Army Camp brought the erosion under control within Saturday noon by dumping sand sacks with Geo-Textile along the erosion affected portion. We however, will take necessary steps to prevent erosion in future.”

Rustom Ali, a resident of Meghai village said, “Several shoals have been emerged at different points of Jamuna river that hampers smooth flow of water. As a result, river is trying to change its channel putting the embankment at risk. Lack of proper maintenance and bathymetric survey might be the main among many other reasons behind the untimely erosion.”

Mokhlesur Rahman, Executive Engineer of WDB in Sirajganj told The Daily Sky that, “After hearing the news of erosion, officers and workers of WDB reached to the spot and brought the situation under control with the help of Army personnel. There is nothing of panic as the erosion has now brought under control. Besides, we will start maintenance work shortly as the dry season has appeared.”

Replying to a query, he also said, “Emergence of a big Char (shoal) in front of the bank hinders water flow of the river that leads to the massive erosion. WDB will start its renovation works shortly to protect the locality from the clutch of erision.”