Relentless erosion by the Teesta River has left more than 300 families homeless in Sundarganj upazila, while eight government primary schools in different parts of Gaibandha have been washed away this year.
The worst-affected area is Bhorer Pakhi in Lal Chamar village of Kapasia union, where hundreds of families once lived. Repeated erosion this year has gradually erased the settlement, swallowing homes, cropland and educational and religious institutions.
More than 300 homesteads have been lost in the area over the past two weeks alone, according to locals.
Hundreds of bighas of cultivable land have also disappeared into the river.
Many families who have lost their homes are now living in makeshift conditions along the riverbank.
Some have taken shelter with relatives, while others are staying beside roads or under the open sky.
A recent visit to Bhorer Pakhi found little trace of the once-populated settlement. Houses, green fields and the bustle of daily life have given way to the river’s waters.
The erosion has also destroyed schools, madrasas and mosques, putting the future of children in the char areas at risk.
The Bhorer Pakhi Government Primary School, regarded as the only educational institution serving children in the area, was also swallowed by the river during the recent erosion.
Saimur Rahman, headteacher of the school, said it had been shifted to another location after its building went into the river.
“We are somehow conducting classes under the open sky,” he said.
Locals said river erosion has continued in the area for years, but no effective permanent measures have been taken to protect the settlement.
Saiful Mia, a resident of Bhorer Pakhi, said the locality had almost disappeared.
“The river has eroded everything. If a dam is not built soon, Bhorer Pakhi and its surrounding areas will disappear from the map,” he said.
Residents demanded immediate construction of a permanent embankment and effective river management to prevent further erosion.
Eight schools lost
The crisis is not limited to Sundarganj. At least 14 government primary schools along the Teesta, Jamuna and Brahmaputra rivers in Gaibandha are currently facing the threat of erosion.
Eight schools have already been completely washed away, including those in Angaridah, Uttar Khatiamari and Char Chowmohan of Fulchhari upazila, Sitasati in Gaibandha Sadar and Bhorer Pakhi in Sundarganj.
Another six government primary schools are at risk of being swallowed by the rivers.
With their buildings gone, classes at eight schools are being held under the open sky. Students and teachers are having to cope with rain, heat and other adverse conditions.
Attendance has fallen at some schools as students are reluctant to attend classes in such an environment. In some areas, lessons are being conducted under makeshift sheds with only a few students present.
