Unplanned dam demolition triggers catastrophe CTG
According to local upazila administration, as the dam was dismantled, a surge of water engulfed the Sonakania union of Satkania upazila, inundating vital infrastructure and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake
The unplanned demolition of an illegal dam that created a lake by submerging 2500 acres of forest land at Satkania-Lohagara area in Chattogram caused resulted in widespread catastrophic flooding and significant damage of 156 of homes, two bridges, several roads and 22.89 hectares of croplands of the low lying locality in the Sonakania area of Satkania upazila on Sunday.
Dr Kamal Uddin, a noted forest researcher and former professor of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences of Chattogram University, told The Business Standard that there is a process to evacuate water from any lake. "The forest department should have conducted a study measuring the amount of water the lake contained and then the evacuation operation could have been launched step by step", he added.
He further said if the forest department had comprehensive planning to remove the dam the catastrophe could have been avoided.
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According to local upazila administration, as the dam was dismantled, a surge of water engulfed the Sonakania union of Satkania upazila, inundating vital infrastructure and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The floodwaters, unleashed without warning, swiftly overwhelmed the area, submerging markets, schools, madrasas, and rural roads. The impact was immediate and devastating, with at least half a million people caught in the deluge, facing untold hardship and loss.
Amidst the chaos, hundreds of businesses suffered irreparable damage as their goods were washed away by the rushing waters. Meanwhile, the structural integrity of at least 156 mud and thatched houses damaged under the force of the flood, leaving families homeless and destitute. The flood water also damaged two bridges in its wake.
As the floodwaters receded, the full extent of the devastation became apparent. Crops such as potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and winter vegetables of approximately 22.89 hectares of agricultural land were ruined. The loss of livelihood for over 300 farmers is immeasurable, compounded by the destruction of five of fish farms and the loss of their aquatic stock.
Jasim Uddin, Chairman of Sonakania Union Parishad, described the ordeal as water surged into the area with terrifying speed, leaving residents scrambling for safety. In response, Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer Milton Biswas, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Arafat Siddiqui, and other government officials rushed to the scene to assess the situation and provide aid to the affected populace.
UNO Milton Biswas expressed concern over the unplanned demolition of the dam, highlighting the extensive damage inflicted on the Satkania section. According to him, the destruction resulted in the loss of 60 mud houses, damage to roads, the breaking of a sluice gate, and the washing away of hundreds of fish from fish farms. Additionally, goods from numerous shops were destroyed in the aftermath.
Biswas noted that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. To provide immediate relief, an initial allocation of 3 metric tons of rice and 150 blankets has been made for the victims.
He further emphasised that there is no justification for jeopardising the well-being of hundreds of thousands of people through the haphazard demolition of the dam. "We intend to notify the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and address this issue promptly."
When questioned regarding the issue, Abdullah Al Mamun, the Divisional Forest Officer of Chattogram South Forest Division, explained, "We were left with no alternative but to allow water release to protect the forest department's land. A minor segment of the dam was removed to facilitate the water's passage but we could not control the water flow at the end."
He admitted that the heavy water flow caused damage to many villagers. "We will send a report to our higher authority regarding the damage", he added further.
Dr Kamal Uddin said that creating a lake by submerging 2500 acres of forest land destroyed the biodiversity of the area. "The forest officials including the then bit officer, range officer, divisional forest officer and conservator of forest must take the responsibility for not being able to save the forest from illegal encroachment", he added.
Influential people created a lake submerging 2500 acres of forest land by erecting a dam illegally at the mouth of hilly stream in Satkania-Lohagara area of Chattogram in 2021 and started fish farming in the lake water. Despite being aware of the illegal creation of the dam the forest department turned a blind eye regarding the matter.
After a report was published on a national daily featuring the encroachment the Chattogram South Forest Department took a swift and unplanned move to reclaim the occupied forest land by demolishing the dam on Saturday evening without notifying the local upazila administration. The unplanned demolition resulted in widespread catastrophic flooding and significant damage of homes, roads and croplands of the low lying locality in the Sonakania area of Satkania upazila.
Maruf Hossain, assistant conservator of Forests at the Chattogram South Forest Department, and Delwar Hossain, assistant conservator of Forests at the Chattogram South Forest Division, Padua, led the operation where more than 60 forest guards and 30 labourers took part.
However, amidst the chaos and devastation, questions arise regarding the lack of prior notification and planning for the dam's demolition. While authorities defend the operation as necessary to reclaim forest land, the toll on human lives and livelihoods cannot be ignored.
As affected communities grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, urgent calls for investigation, accountability, and comprehensive relief efforts echo across the region. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with concerted efforts and support, those affected can begin to rebuild their lives from the ruins left by this catastrophic event.
