Severe erosion by the Padma River has devoured more than one hundred acres of agricultural land in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia over the last 15 to 20 days.
The rising water levels of the Padma, Mathabhanga, and Hisna rivers triggered by continuous rainfall and an influx of water from upstream have left hundreds of farmers on the riverbanks in a state of deep anxiety as they watch their livelihoods vanish into the river.
According to locals, the erosion is most acute in several areas of Moricha union, including Majdiar, Koldiar, Faizullahpur, and Hatkholapar.
Residents reported that the rivers have swollen significantly due to the recent weather conditions, causing the Padma to breach its banks at various points.
They expressed grave concerns that if the erosion is not halted, their homesteads and vital infrastructure will soon be lost to the river.
Local residents affected by the phenomenon alleged that authorities typically resort to placing temporary geo-bags once erosion begins. While this provides momentary relief, it fails to offer a permanent solution to the perennial threat.
Many families have already been forced to relocate their homes multiple times, and there is a widespread fear that even larger areas will be submerged unless effective, permanent river training measures are implemented.
Meanwhile, the Water Development Board (WDB) has identified Udaynagar in Chilmari union as being at high risk of erosion. The board stated that emergency geo-bags are currently being dumped in the affected areas to stem the damage.
Rashedur Islam, executive engineer of Kushtia WDB, said, “The erosion-prone areas of the Padma River are under our constant observation. The WDB is working to take necessary measures in the risky areas, and we are currently dumping geo-bags as an emergency response to prevent further erosion”.
Commenting on the plight of the affected people, Reza Ahmed Bachhu Molla, MP for Kushtia-1 (Daulatpur) constituency, assured that necessary initiatives would be taken to support those who have suffered losses.
He added that he would coordinate with the relevant departments to implement effective measures for a permanent solution to the erosion problem.
