Padma River Erosion Swallows Louhajang Roads, Students in Distress

Md. Shawkat Hossain, Louhajang (Munshiganj)

The only road leading to Dohori (Chatki Bari) Government Primary School in Dohori area of Kalma Union in Louhajang upazila, Munshiganj, is facing erosion by the Padma River. Half of the road has already been washed away by the strong current and waves of the river, while the remaining portion is also at serious risk. As a result, students and local residents are facing difficulties commuting to the school.

During an on-site visit to Dohori area on Thursday (September 3), a large portion of the important road had been seen to have collapsed into the river. Students, teachers and local residents are taking risks every day to travel along the small remaining portion. Locals fear that the rest of the road could also disappear into the river at any time.

According to local residents, there were two roads in the area for travelling to the school. One of them has already disappeared due to river erosion. The remaining brick-paved road has also collapsed halfway, raising concerns about the safety of young students travelling to school.

Local residents Md. Sohag and Sajib Fakir said their children study at Dohori (Chatki Bari) Government Primary School. There is no alternative route to the school. If the road completely disappears into the river, it will become difficult for them to send their children to school.

The school management committee and local residents said the situation is becoming increasingly alarming as river erosion continues. If immediate measures are not taken, the road could completely disappear, potentially disrupting students’ access to the school and affecting their regular attendance.

Local residents have demanded that geobags be placed and necessary protective measures be taken on an emergency basis to prevent river erosion. They said that prompt action could at least help protect the existing road to the school.

Teachers of Dohori (Chatki Bari) Government Primary School and local elected representatives have also urged the upazila administration to take immediate effective measures to ensure students’ safety and maintain normal access to the school.

Louhajang Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Farzana Babi Mitu said, “I have visited the site. Geobags are scheduled to be placed from today.”