Ongoing erosion along the Kangsha River in Netrokona is threatening at least 15 riverside villages, including homes, farmland, and roads, as well as schools, mosques, temples, and marketplaces, residents have warned.
The river flows past Kaliara Gabragati Union in Netrokona Sadar and Baushi Union in Barhatta Upazila. Locals fear that without urgent action, these areas could be swallowed by the river at any time.
In Kaliara Gabragati Union, nearly a kilometre of riverbank has suffered extensive erosion over several years. Villages including Bahirkanda, Nowbanda, Haridaspur, Kakiakuri, Mahishashura, Choukar Kanda, Seharaund, and Kornokhalas have lost hundreds of homes, cultivated and uncultivated land, forest, bamboo thickets, and medicinal plants. Schools, mosques, madrasas, temples, and local markets now face imminent danger.
During the monsoon, upstream water surges and flash floods intensify the erosion, and the riverbank continues to recede even after the rains subside. Hundreds of people who daily traverse these fragile paths to reach schools and marketplaces are at constant risk of accidents.
Residents say repeated appeals to local representatives and authorities have yielded no effective measures. A large portion of Satia Government Primary School’s playground has already been washed away, and the school building, nearby mosque, and temple remain under threat.
Similarly, in Barhatta Upazila’s Baushi Union, erosion along the Golamkhali branch of the Kangsha River is putting areas including Sadhuarkanda, Hatkhala, Chanpur, Natun Shekerpara, and Dewpur at severe risk. Several riverside homes and graveyards have already been lost.
Chaan Mia, a former member of Kaliara Gabragati Union Parishad, said, “Many homes in our area have disappeared into the river. We have repeatedly informed the Water Development Board, but no work has been done.” Shafiqul Islam Kuddus of Sidhlir in neighbouring Kalmakanda Upazila added, “Over 20–25 years, the river has claimed many homes. Without permanent measures, more properties will be lost.”
Nurul Islam, head teacher of Satia Government Primary School, said, “With nearly 200 students, we teach under constant fear due to ongoing erosion. A guard wall along the riverbank is urgently needed to protect the school.” Tayyab Ali, president of the school management committee, added that repeated appeals to authorities and representatives have so far gone unanswered.
The Netrokona Water Development Board has announced that a project to curb Kangsha River erosion has been approved, tenders called, and work will commence shortly, according to executive engineer Mohammad Sakawat Hossain.
