Severe erosion has returned to the Arial Khan River in Shibchar Upazila of Madaripur, putting a key road and an embankment at risk and causing panic among thousands of residents.
The erosion began on Monday morning at the Baheratala-Kolatola point, where a section of the Baheratala-Kolatola embankment and parts of the only road connecting Baheratala Bazar with Kolatola have already been washed away.
Locals said the erosion intensified suddenly as the river water level rose. Within a short time, portions of the embankment collapsed into the river, while parts of the important road were swept away.
They fear that continued erosion could completely cut off road communication between Baheratala Bazar and Kolatola village.
“Hundreds of people use this road every day. It is the only route for residents of Kolatola and nearby villages to reach markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities,” said local resident Kalam Madbar.
He said students, patients and traders have already started facing severe difficulties due to the damage to the road.
A polling centre under Ward No 3 of Baheratala South Union is also located only a few metres from the riverbank. Residents fear it could be lost to the river if erosion continues.
Locals said they have been suffering from river erosion for nearly a decade. Although they received temporary relief after the Bangladesh Water Development Board constructed an embankment, erosion has resumed this year.
They alleged that illegal sand extraction using dredgers and unplanned river dredging have worsened the situation. According to residents, influential groups have been extracting sand from the river at night for years, changing the river’s course and accelerating erosion.
“We have been victims of erosion for 10 years. We thought the embankment would protect us, but illegal sand extraction at night is destroying everything again. If immediate action is not taken, we will lose our homes too,” said Baheratala resident Nowab Madbar.
Residents have urged the authorities to take immediate measures to stop the erosion, remove illegal dredgers and repair the damaged embankment and road.
Shibchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer HM Ibne Mizan said the administration had received reports of erosion along the Arial Khan River.
“The issue has been informed to the Water Development Board. Work to prevent erosion and protect the embankment will begin within a day or two. The administration will also take quick action against any illegal dredging activities,” he said.
