DIGHINALA, KHAGRACHHARI, May 16: Living houses and croplands are being eroded by the Boalkhali River in Dighinala Upazila of the district.
The erosion started at Boalkhali Puraton Bazar point at Ward No.7 of Boalkhali Union in the upazila. In the next rainy season, it can take away some 30/40 living houses. People in this area are already in concern.
They requested union chairman several times. But they did not get any remedy in preventing the erosion. The erosion turned severe in the last few years, devouring half of living lands of 30-40 houses.
Living along the Bhoalkhali River with his family Abul Hasem said, "I purchased 10 decimals of land. But half of that has been eroded, remaining only four decimals. I am in fear of taking away the remaining land any time."
A dweller of the canal bank Kustol Mutsuddi, 65, said, "Living homes and croplands are devoured by the river. If it continues, all will become homeless. We demand from the government for taking necessary measures to protect our homes from the river erosion."
Ward No. 7 Member of Boalkhali Union Dil Mohammad Dilu said, in the eroding area of the Boalkhali, 30-40 families are living; surrounding croplands were eroded during the last several years. If this trend continues, remaining homes and croplands will go into the riverbed.
Officials came to inspect the spot from Water Development Board (WDB), but they did not take any initiative, he added.
Boalkhali Union Chairman Chayan Bikash Chakma said, expensive works of river are done by WDB and ADB.
If the Boalkhali erosion is not tackled, houses and croplands will be devoured. "We will send an application to the authorities," he added.
