How much more must be lost before the people of Bhuterdia village find solid ground?

Fifty feet of land along Bhuterdia and Chhanikedarpur villages was washed away into the Sugandha River in one week. Photo: Agamir Somoy

Homes, farmland and trees are disappearing one after another due to river erosion. Many families have left their homesteads and taken shelter elsewhere amid fears of further erosion. Some are still living at risk along the riverbank. Yet the river continues to consume more land.

Hundreds of families in Bhuterdia and Chhanikedarpur villages of Kedarpur Union in Barisal's Babuganj Upazila are spending their days waiting for permanent measures to stop the erosion.

During an onsite visit to the two villages last Friday morning, it was found that the intensity of erosion along the Sugandha River beside Bhuterdia and Chhanikedarpur villages is increasing. At least 50 feet of land in the villages has disappeared into the river in just one week. The erosion has intensified further as heavy rainfall during the ongoing monsoon has softened the soil.

Locals said the continued erosion has put the homes and farmland of around 380 families at risk. Many have already moved their houses. Some are trying to save their last remaining possessions while standing on the riverbank.

Important establishments including Chhanikedarpur Government Primary School No. 22, Madinatul Quran Fazlul Karim Madrasa, Khandaker Bari Central Jame Mosque and Jabe Noor Jame Mosque are located about 50 meters from the erosion affected area. Locals fear these institutions and structures could also come under threat if the erosion continues.

Local social worker and expatriate Md. Khalilur Rahman said those affected have visited various government offices and administrative authorities for days demanding measures to prevent river erosion. However, they have so far mainly received assurances. Effective steps must be taken quickly to protect the village.

Local resident and freedom fighter Abul Kalam said the village was once lush and vibrant. The entire area used to be lively with various festivals and events. Although it was one of the largest villages in the union, large parts of it have disappeared due to river erosion. Many families are living in inhumane conditions. Some are living at risk along the riverbank while others have taken shelter elsewhere.

Md. Kawsar Hossain, president of Ward No. 9 of the BNP in Kedarpur Union, said they have appealed to various levels of the government to prevent river erosion. He hopes Barisal 3 constituency lawmaker Advocate Zainul Abedin and the relevant authorities will take quick action.

Javed Iqbal, executive engineer of the Barisal Water Development Board, said a project to protect the village is already in the process of being implemented. The Water Development Board will take the necessary steps quickly.

Babuganj Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Asma Ul Husna said the people of Babuganj have been affected by erosion along the Sandhya, Sugandha and Arial Khan rivers for a long time. A project worth around Tk 950 crore to prevent river erosion has already been approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Once the project is implemented, it will be possible to protect Babuganj Upazila from river erosion.