Residents along the riverbanks are aware that the Jamuna River exhibits peculiar behavior. It is a constant cycle of the river, whether it is rising or receding. This year, there has not been a significant flood.
The water level in the Jamuna River has risen slightly, and in certain areas, the river is eroding. However, the water level has now diminished. As the water has receded, erosion has taken place in the Sariakandi Upazila of Bogra district, leaving those living by the river in a state of anxiety.
Local residents have reported that the rate of river erosion is particularly severe at a location known as Charghagua Uor Tengrakura in the Kajla Union of Sariakandi Upazila. Officials from the Water Development Board (PAUBO) in Bogra have stated that they are monitoring the situation closely. This issue has already been communicated to higher authorities within PAUBO for funding to address the erosion.
According to locals, in the past five to six days, approximately 30 to 35 bighas of farmland have been eroded by the river. While some erosion has occurred previously, the current situation is unprecedented. Residents believe that this predicament may have arisen due to the strong current of floodwaters flowing down the Jamuna River and the formation of chars in the river's center.
Currently, more than fifty families and their agricultural lands in the vicinity are at risk of erosion. If the erosion is not halted promptly, several villages and critical infrastructures may be swept away by the river. Those living on the opposite bank are experiencing sleepless nights due to this threat.
Kalam Mandal, a local resident, mentioned that farmland in Char Ghagua has been consumed by the river. If the erosion persists for a few more days, the houses along the riverbank will likely be washed away. In recent days, many have lost their cultivated land and have become impoverished. Families residing by the river are staying awake at night, fearing the impending erosion. Md. Anis Molla, a resident of Ward No. 5 in Kazla Union, expressed, "The river is eroding at an alarming rate, bringing it dangerously close to numerous homes. If prompt and effective actions are not implemented to halt this erosion, it will inevitably resume. Representatives from the Water Development Board have visited and assessed the situation. Despite this, I am currently living in constant fear alongside my family."
Kazla Union Chairman Principal Rafiqul Islam remarked, "Without immediate intervention, the erosion at Charghagua will jeopardize the local settlements. Most of the chars formed by the Jamuna River consist solely of sand and gravel. Furthermore, various crops such as paddy, chili, fish, kaun, kherachi, lentils, and corn were cultivated in these regions. The locals also relied on livestock and poultry for their livelihoods. However, the recent erosion has obliterated all these sources of income." We have conducted an inspection of the areas affected by the Jamuna River's erosion within the union and have reported our findings to the higher authorities.
In this context, Saryakandi Upazila Acting Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Atiqur Rahman stated that the Bogra Water Development Board has been notified to implement measures to combat the erosion of the Jamuna. They visited the site today to assess the situation. The necessary actions to prevent further erosion will be initiated promptly. Additionally, the Upazila Project Implementation Officer has been instructed to provide relief assistance to families impacted by the erosion in case of an emergency.
Bogra District Water Development Board Sub-Divisional Engineer Humayun Kabir mentioned, "We are closely monitoring this issue. We have already identified the most vulnerable areas along the riverbanks and have communicated this to the officials of the Bogra Water Development Board (PAUBO). After evaluating the erosion-affected areas, we will take the required actions in consultation with higher authorities to address this matter urgently.
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