JALDHAKA, NILPHAMARI, July 4: Large cracks and subsidence have appeared in sections of the Buri Teesta River embankment in Jaldhaka Upazila, barely a year after its renovation, raising fears of flooding ahead of the monsoon.
Residents have also alleged that illegal sand extraction and the movement of overloaded trolleys are accelerating the deterioration of the embankment.
A visit to the area on Wednesday found extensive cracks, potholes and land subsidence along the embankment stretching from Gholmunda to Dauabari unions. The embankment, which also serves as a key local road, was renovated as part of a 25-kilometre riverbank protection project completed in 2023.
Locals said the damaged sections could give way during heavy rainfall, inundating nearby villages.
Several residents, including Ainul Haque, Ashraful Islam and Saiful Islam, alleged that they had never seen any signboard identifying the project during construction and claimed the renovation work was not carried out properly.
They also accused an influential local syndicate of extracting sand illegally from beneath the embankment and using overloaded trolleys on the structure day and night, creating large potholes and weakening the embankment.
They alleged that those who protested against the activities had faced intimidation.
Anarul Islam, a resident of Colony Para, said the embankment was already in poor condition and continuous movement of sand-laden trolleys had made it even more vulnerable.
"We are living in constant fear that the embankment may collapse at any time," he said.
Another resident, Morshedul Islam, said the damaged embankment had made travel to local markets increasingly difficult.
Gholmunda Union Parishad Chairman Mizanur Rahman acknowledged that overloaded trolleys were causing rapid damage to rural roads and embankments.
The acting chairman of Dauabari Union Parishad said local authorities had repeatedly asked sand transporters to stop using the embankment, but their instructions had largely been ignored.
Officials at the Water Development Board said the 25-kilometre project began in 2022 and was completed in 2023. They, however, could not immediately provide details on the project's cost or the contractor, saying the officials concerned were away on official duty.
Residents urged the authorities to repair the damaged embankment without delay and take immediate action to stop illegal sand extraction and the movement of overloaded vehicles, warning that further delays could lead to a major disaster during the upcoming monsoon.
