Geo-bags Fail to Stop River Erosion in Goalanda

Mozammel Haque, Goalanda (Rajbari)

Residents along the Padma River in the Kowa Janiyo Munshibazar area of Debgram Union under Goalanda upazila in Rajbari are in serious trouble due to severe river erosion at several points. A few days ago, the Water Development Board (WDB) dumped thousands of geo-bags to prevent erosion, but they have failed to serve the purpose and have quickly disappeared into the river.

Locals alleged that the contractor carried out the work negligently and suddenly disappeared. As a result, over the past week, three-crop farmland, roads, mosques, graveyards and educational institutions have been at risk of being washed away, putting thousands of families in danger. They demanded sustainable and robust riverbank protection measures.

A visit to the affected areas found that river erosion has intensified as water levels have risen. The areas where geo-bags were placed to prevent erosion are now being eroded again, with the geo-bags and three-crop farmland being swept into the river. Residents can do little but watch as homesteads and croplands disappear before their eyes.

Locals Mr Lokman, Majid Sardar, Ms Amena and several others said geo-bags had been used under the supervision of the Water Development Board for several years to prevent erosion in the area. A few days ago, thousands more geo-bags were placed to protect the area, but erosion suddenly began at the same spots, washing all the geo-bags into the river. Thousands of people in the area are now at risk. They urged the government to take permanent measures to protect the riverbank.

Acting Executive Engineer of the Rajbari Water Development Board Md Tajminul Rahman said they had received reports of the erosion. “We will inspect the affected areas. If we deem it necessary, we will place geo-bags to prevent further erosion. If we do not consider it necessary, we will not place geo-bags there. Our budget is limited,” he said.

Goalanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Huda told the Daily Inqilab that he had spoken to the Water Development Board engineer about the erosion. “They will discuss the matter with their higher authorities and begin work at the affected sites as soon as possible,” he said.