Padma River erosion: Over 200 families lose their homes in Shariatpur

Severe erosion along the Padma River has caused over 200 families to lose their homes in Shariatpur's Zajira upazila, according to authorities.

 

Thousands of people have become destitute as crop lands, settlements and various structures got eaten up by the river with strong currents.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sadia Islam Luna said the erosion has been going on for several weeks and has increased in the recent days.

Suman Chandra Banik, assistant engineer of Shariatpur Water Development Board, explained that the erosion has increased due to the strong flow in the river and the increase in water.

"Already over 1.5 kilometres of char have eroded. Every year we dump sand filled geo bags to prevent erosion. If the funding is available, the work will start in the dry season," he added.

The stranded families have taken shelter in make-shift homes in the vacant land of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority in Mazhirghat and in the nearby sand field. However, lack of food, sanitation and clean water has exacerbated their sufferings.

"I never thought I would be so helpless at the end of my life. I don't know where to go, what to eat and how to build a new house," said Somar Ali Sheikh, a victim of the erosion.

Many could not even make a shelter in the hostile weather. The area has also become uninhabitable due to the accumulation of rainwater. Due to lack of income, getting two meals a day is a big challenge for these people.

Another victim Sahed Majhi alleged that illegal dredgers constantly cutting sand along the river bank is causing the erosion.

"We are helpless. We don't even know where to go. There is no one to look after us," he said.

The upazila nirbahi officer said the administration is taking measures for the rehabilitation of the people affected by erosion.

"We have already listed 150 affected families and provided food assistance. The list has been sent to the ministry. We will also work for their permanent shelter," Sadia added.