Lack of Embankment Accelerates Erosion Along Reju Khal
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Every monsoon, residents of Khuniapalong Union in Cox's Bazar's Ramu upazila live in fear. Rising water in Reju Khal erodes the riverbank, allowing saline tidal water to flood farmland and submerge rice fields, betel leaf gardens, and fish farms.
People in West Goaliapalong, South Goaliapalong, and Taingakata have endured the same ordeal for years. They have repeatedly demanded a permanent 4-kilometer embankment, but authorities have yet to take any effective action. The prolonged delay has fueled growing frustration among local residents.
Locals say every high tide sends saline water through breached sections of Reju Khal into farmland and residential areas. The flooding causes extensive damage to rice, betel leaf gardens, areca nut trees, vegetables, and other crops. Fish farms also suffer heavy losses. Nearly 1,000 farmers are directly affected every monsoon, disrupting the livelihoods of several thousand people.
The erosion is threatening more than farmland. Many decades-old homesteads now face the risk of disappearing into the canal. Residents say at least 30 families are currently living under the direct threat of erosion.
Farmer Abdul Rashid said he loses crops every year despite months of hard work.
"We cultivate our land with great effort, but instead of making a profit, we suffer losses. A permanent embankment would allow us to continue farming," he said.
Sirajul Islam, a former member of Ward No. 8 of Khuniapalong Union Parishad, said his family's nearly 200-year-old homestead once stood about 500 feet from Reju Khal. Years of erosion have brought the canal to the edge of the property.
"Many trees, farmland, and other assets have already been swallowed by the canal. At least 20 families are now directly at risk. Even my newly built house now stands on the canal's edge," he said.
"If durable protective measures are not taken immediately, several homesteads could disappear into the canal during this monsoon," he added.
Local resident Mahabub Rahman said the area has remained neglected for years.
"People's suffering peaks every monsoon. The Union Parishad has submitted a proposal to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer seeking the construction of a permanent 4-kilometer embankment. We hope the government will implement the project without delay," he said.
Ramu Upazila Agriculture Officer Sushanta Debnath said officials are preparing a list of farmers affected by the recent disaster.
"Once government funding is allocated, assistance will be provided to the affected farmers as quickly as possible," he said.
Ramu Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Zillur Rahman said he has already visited the affected areas. He said the administration has contacted the relevant authorities to minimize further damage and instructed the local Union Parishad chairman to closely monitor the situation.
