Residents of Lohagara in Narail have held a human chain and protest procession demanding an end to severe erosion along the Madhumati River, a halt to illegal sand extraction, rehabilitation of erosion-affected families and legal action against those involved in extracting sand illegally.
The programme was held around 5pm on Sunday, September 27, along the riverbank in Telkara, Kargati and Raypasha areas under Kotakol Union. Several hundred local residents took part in the programme under the banner of residents of Kotakol Union No. 10.
Speakers said homes, religious institutions and important structures in different parts of Kotakol Union have been disappearing into the river because of prolonged Madhumati erosion. They said erosion has been particularly severe in Telkara, Kargati and Raypasha.
According to local residents, around 500 to 700 families once lived in these areas. Many have lost their homes and homesteads to the river, forcing some families who have lost everything to move elsewhere.
Those who spoke at the human chain included Chhattar Molla, Islam Fakir, Alim Molla, Hai Molla, Rasul Molla, Mirza Khan, Rezan Khan, Rahiman, Khalil, Shahin Sikdar, Abbas, Akram, Zafar Khan and Mannan Molla, among others.
Residents alleged that illegal sand extraction from the river has intensified the erosion. They demanded an immediate halt to illegal extraction, effective measures to prevent riverbank erosion and legal action against those involved.
Locals said the Telkara Karikarpada Mosque and Telkara Natunbari Mosque have already been lost to the river. They added that Telkara Sheikhpara Jame Mosque, Telkara Sikdarpada Jame Mosque and Telkara Westpara Jame Mosque are also at risk.
Roads leading to Kargati Government Primary School and the Telkara shelter centre, along with other important communication routes, have also been affected by erosion.
Residents said the neighbouring Bardia area is also at risk of river erosion.
Speakers at the human chain warned that without immediate action, many more families, mosques, educational institutions and other important structures could soon be washed away by the Madhumati River.
They called for permanent measures for river management and erosion control.
Later, residents brought out a protest procession, chanting slogans demanding an end to illegal sand extraction, effective measures to prevent river erosion and rehabilitation for families affected by the erosion.
