SATKHIRA, Feb 25: Local residents formed a human chain in Shyamnagar Upazila of Satkhira on Wednesday demanding urgent re-excavation of the Aiburi River, which is facing an existential crisis and threatening about 20,000 bighas of agricultural land and the livelihoods of at least 700 families.
The human chain was held at Dhumghat Hatkhola in Shyamnagar Upazila, historically known as the capital of Pratapaditya. The river flows through Munshiganj and Ishwaripur unions but has lost its navigability due to prolonged neglect and obstruction of its natural flow.
The programme was presided over by Ishwaripur Union Green Coalition President M. Zillur Rahman and moderated by Munshiganj Green Coalition President Dr. Jogesh Mondal. Former Ishwaripur Union Parishad member Birendra Nath Biswas, Projanmo Raktadan Sangstha President Ahmed Raju, S.D Milan Sangha President Md. Sharif Hossain, Alpana Rani Mistry of Shapla Nari Unnayan Sanghathan, Suman Hossain of Saimum Jubo Sangha and Madhudyuti Mondal, among others, addressed the gathering.
President of Sundarban Press Club Md. Belal Hossain also joined the human chain in solidarity with the protesters.
Speakers alleged that illegal dams and barriers constructed with fishing nets at various points have blocked the river's natural water flow. As a result, excessive siltation has reduced its navigability and drainage capacity, causing severe waterlogging in adjacent villages during the rainy season.
They said the deteriorating condition of the river is disrupting farming activities, damaging crops and creating serious hardships for local farmers and fishermen who depend on the river.
The speakers demanded immediate government intervention to re-excavate the river, remove illegal encroachments and restore its normal tidal flow. They warned that without prompt action, agriculture, livelihoods and the environment in the area would face severe and lasting consequences.
