Nabaganga River Erosion Ravages Kalia’s Bardiya, Causes Tk 200 Million in Damage in One Year

The people of Bardiya in Kalia upazila of Narail are struggling to cope with relentless erosion along the Nabanganga River. Whether water levels rise or fall, the erosion continues, washing away homes, shops and the livelihoods people have built over the years. Local residents and traders are facing severe losses. River erosion in the Bardiya Bazar area has caused an estimated Tk 20 crore in damage this year alone.

According to local sources, erosion along the Nabanganga River washed away 10 homes and 15 shops last night. In total, around 25 to 30 houses and shops have been damaged or lost to the river during the ongoing erosion. Affected families and traders have been left devastated after losing their properties.

Locals fear that large parts of the historic Bardiya Bazar could disappear into the river unless effective measures are taken promptly. They have called for urgent and permanent steps to prevent further erosion.

Historic river port under threat

Bardiya Bazar was once known as a river port. Since the British era, the Nabanganga and Madhumati rivers have played an important role in trade and communication in the region. A river police outpost was also established there because of the importance of its waterways, according to local accounts.

However, years of river erosion and declining navigability have changed the area. Locals believe changes in the river’s course, sediment accumulation on its bed and shifts in water flow are increasing the risk of erosion. They also say disruptions to water flow through connected canals and wetlands are affecting the wider drainage system.

Riverbank erosion occurs in the area every monsoon. This year, however, the worsening erosion around Bardiya Bazar has heightened concern among residents. With homes and businesses disappearing one after another, many families now face an uncertain future.

Khashial Union Parishad Chairman BM Barkatullah said a human chain was formed several days ago to demand measures to prevent erosion at Bardiya Bazar. An executive engineer from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) visited the area following the protest. He was later informed that a letter had been sent to higher authorities seeking the necessary measures to stop the erosion, Barkatullah said.

Narail BWDB Executive Engineer Abhijit Saha said he had previously visited the erosion-hit area. The process of appointing a contractor to dump geo-bags along the riverbank was underway. Work to place geo-bags in the affected area would begin on October 13, he said.

Meanwhile, Kalia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Zinnat Islam visited the erosion-hit Bardia area on October 12. He inspected the affected areas and observed the situation of local residents.

Residents have urged the authorities to expedite the geo-bag placement work and undertake a long-term, sustainable riverbank protection project to safeguard Bardiya Bazar and nearby settlements. Without such measures, they fear the erosion could destroy not only homes and shops but also the historic marketplace that serves as a vital centre of local livelihoods.