Padma Bridge protection embankment at risk of collapse from soil erosion
Several sections have already caved in or developed cracks, while landslides have occurred in some areas
The two-kilometre-long protection embankment on Shariatpur's Zajira end of the Padma Bridge is under serious threat due to soil erosion beneath the structure.
Several sections have already caved in or developed cracks, while landslides have occurred in some areas.
The Water Development Board (BWDB) fears further collapse during the upcoming monsoon, raising concerns among residents of nearby villages and markets.
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The erosion poses a risk to key locations, including the Naodoba-Palerchar road, Mangal Majhi-Sattar Madbar Bazar, and at least 600 surrounding homes.
In November last year, around 100 metres of the embankment at Naodoba Zero Point collapsed into the Padma River.
Following this, the BWDB and Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) jointly conducted a survey.
The findings revealed deep riverbed erosion along a one-kilometre section beside the embankment, with the river encroaching dangerously close to the structure in another kilometre.
BWDB officials stated that the cantonment, Service Area-2, South Thana, and other Padma Bridge infrastructure were built in the Naodoba area of Shariatpur's Zajira upazila.
River erosion began there in 2012 after land acquisition. To prevent further damage, a two-kilometre protective embankment was constructed at a cost of Tk110 crore, later linked to the river training embankment.
Since the collapse last year, soil has eroded from under another 100-metre stretch in the Majhirghat area.
Several nearby villages—including Mohar Ali Madbarbandi, Alam Khanerkandi, Achhim Uddin Madbarkandi, and Kalai Morolkandi—are located along the embankment, as is the Mangal Majhi-Sattar Madbar market. Thousands of people travel daily on the adjacent Naodoba-Palerchar road.
Raju Madbar, a resident of Madbarkandi, said, "The embankment was constructed temporarily. Now, due to a change in the current's direction, it is collapsing. If the entire area is lost during the monsoon, we will be destitute. I request the government to take immediate action."
Badsha Miah, a businessman at Sattar Madbar market, said, "There are about 200 businesses here. Cracks have appeared for the past year, and parts have already collapsed. The embankment cannot withstand rising water. Where will we go?"
Tarek Hasan, executive engineer of Shariatpur BWDB, said, "A two-kilometre embankment was built in FY2011–12 to protect the Padma Bridge construction yard. The survey shows erosion under one kilometre of the structure. It is now categorised as risky. Some sections have already collapsed.
"Repairs are ongoing, and we have submitted a development project proposal (DPP) to the ministry. If not approved, the embankment will face further danger."
Shariatpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashraf Uddin told The Business Standard, "The river protection embankment near Padma Bridge is very important. We have discussed the issue with the Water Development Board and instructed them to take all necessary steps to reinforce it."
