Geo-Bags Collapse Along Padma River in Louhajang

The collapse of sand-filled geo-bags along the Padma River in Gaudia, Louhajang upazila, Munshiganj, has triggered riverbank erosion and spread panic among local residents. Fearing further erosion, some residents are moving their homes to safer locations. Locals fear losing their homesteads if effective measures are not taken promptly.

During a visit to the area, this correspondent observed erosion in front of Idris Bepari’s house in Ward No. 1 of West Gaudia, driven by the Padma’s strong currents and whirlpools. Sand-filled geo-bags along the riverbank protection embankment had collapsed, triggering further erosion. The unexpected erosion has put nearby homes and farmland at risk, prompting residents to try to move their belongings to safer places.

Locals said erosion began suddenly along the riverbank on Friday morning, followed by the collapse of geo-bags along the embankment. Around 200 feet of the riverbank was washed away within a short time, raising serious concerns about nearby homes and farmland.

Sorhab and Alauddin, residents of West Gaudia, said the Padma’s strong currents had suddenly caused the geo-bags along the riverbank to collapse. “Our land is disappearing into the river before our eyes,” they said, warning that they could lose their homesteads unless effective measures were taken promptly.

Tobarak Dhali, a member of Ward No. 1 of Gaudia Union Parishad, said erosion had begun along the riverbed and geo-bags had been collapsing since Friday morning. Several sections of the riverbank had been washed away in a single day. He warned that the erosion could intensify unless the necessary measures were taken quickly.

Local residents have called on the relevant authorities to take urgent action to prevent further erosion and protect vulnerable homes and farmland.

Louhajang Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Farzana Bobby Mitu visited the erosion-hit area after receiving the news. She said she had spoken to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), which had assured her that it would take necessary measures to the best of its ability.

BWDB Sub-Assistant Engineer Md Shahadat Hossain said sand-filled geo-bags were being dumped at the site to prevent further erosion.