Chandpur's Haimchar riverbanks protection dam faces erosion threat

Several parts of the Meghna riverbanks protection embankment in Haimchar upazila of Chandpur have been damaged, raising fears of severe erosion among local people.

Locals said multiple points of the embankment stretching from Katakhali to Jaliarchar were damaged due to erosion.

If immediate repairs are not carried out, they fear that large portions of Haimchar upazila's Meghna riverbanks may collapse during the upcoming monsoon season.

According to the Chandpur Water Development Board (WDB), the government allocated Tk127 crore for a project under which a 6.4-kilometer embankment was constructed in Haimchar using stone blocks.

The embankment was built parallel to the river, with geotextile bags used for initial protection before two categories of stone blocks were placed to reinforce the structure.

The project was completed in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Haimchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umme Salma Najnin Trisha told UNB that several sections of the Meghna River embankments have suffered significant damage due to subsidence.

"We have requested the Chandpur Water Development Board to take immediate action for repairs. The issue will also be raised at the district coordination meeting." she said

Without swift intervention further erosion could be devastating, she added.

Chandpur WDB Executive Engineer Jahurul Islam said, "We have received reports of concrete blocks being dislodged and sinkholes forming at various points between Katakhali and Jaliarchar.

"A team will soon visit the area and we hope to begin restoration work at the earliest," he said.