Madhumati River erosion worsens

Erosion by the Madhumati River has taken a serious turn in Kashiani upazila of Gopalganj district, putting hundreds of shops on the brink of destruction at Vatiapara Bazar area.

Already, the river devoured 30 shops and large areas of the market after a large portion of protection embankment collapsed on Friday

The Water Development Board sources said at least 30 shops already have gone to the river bed.

However, locals said that not only shops, but many businesses centres, including traders’ goods and warehouses, also was washed away by the river when the river protection dam on Friday morning.

After visiting the affected areas on Monday, The Business Post found that a large portion of the market was already lost to the river while many new adjourning areas were under grave threat.

According to Abul Fazal Mollah, a local in the area, said, “I went home the night before after closing my shop. But, I was totally shocked to find that there were all the shops in the area disappeared when I came back in the morning. River management work was done in the area and no damage or cracks were discovered at the dam.”

The traders also said that they did not get the opportunity to take out the goods from the shop and their all of their possessions were washed away by the river.

“Hundreds more shops of the traditional market of the upazila are under threat. If immediate action is not taken, the entire market area may be washed away by the river,” he added.

Kashiani Upazila Executive Officer Rathindra Nath Roy, OC Masud Raihan, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board Faizur Rahman visited the spot.

Rathindra Nath Roy said, “The traders have lost more than Tk 2 crore. To prevent further erosion, we are trying to install geo-bags in the area quickly.”