DAULATPUR, KUSHTIA, Jan 27: Flood protection embankment has been under threat due to severe erosion by the Padma River in Daulatpur Upazila of the district.
The untimely erosion has been continuing amid severe cold, devouring croplands in Bhurka, Hatkhola and Koldiar villages at Maricha Union in the upazila.
Different educational institutions, Raita-Mahiskundi River Protection Embankment, and electricity transmission line with India are under threat. If the current erosion continues, these installations in several villages will disappear.
Newly elected local MP gave assurance of taking rapid step to prevent the erosion.
This years flood was not so severe than last years. But after a long time of the flood water recession, the erosion by the Padma has turned severe. At present, the severe erosion has been across about three kilometres from Bhurka to Hatkhola. Every day croplands and gardens are going into the river bed. Many became losers.
Locals said, the severe erosion has already caused breaking nearing the embankment. If the dam is broken, the locality will disappear, they added.
The untimely erosion has been due to unplanned sand lifting from the river, changing the river course. If the flood protection embankment can be protected, people of greater Khulna will get into threat.
Alhajj Rejaul Haq Chowdhury, MP (Kushtia-1), said, "I have talked with Water Development Board authorities.
They have assurance of taking quick step."
Locals demanded stopping unplanned sand lifting and building sustainable embankment.
