Erosion strikes Padma Bridge project's protective dam, homes vanish into river before eyes

Severe erosion has once again occurred at the protective dam built as part of the Padma Bridge project in Majhirghat area of Shariatpur's Jajira upazila. Yesterday, Monday (July 7) afternoon, at least 5 houses and 5 business establishments were swallowed by the riverbed within a span of just two hours. Local resident Shahin Majhi said, "Around 4 pm, I received news that erosion had started. Before I could understand anything, homes sank into the river right before our eyes."

Erosion first appeared on a section of the dam repaired in the early hours of Eid day, and then new erosion began on Monday. Fearing erosion, locals are moving more shops away. But due to a lack of necessary workers, many are helplessly moving their household belongings with their own hands. Saidul Islam said, "We are not getting workers. All family members together are dragging and pulling out whatever we can manage. We are in extreme anxiety." Although the protective dam was built in 2010-11 at a cost of Tk 110 crore, it has been facing erosion for the past few years.

While the Water Development Board has tried to prevent it by dumping geobags in some parts, locals think it is not sufficient. Badsha Sheikh said, "Erosion has now become an annual disaster. We want a permanent embankment to be built here." Meanwhile, Water Development Board Additional Chief Engineer Md. Shajahan Siraj, after visiting the spot, stated, "The condition of the erosion is very critical. We are taking measures to prevent the erosion in the shortest possible time."