The residents of Kathalia upazila in Jhalakathi have spent decades waiting for the construction of an embankment on the Bishkhali River bank.
The river's bank has been eroding without respite, causing continued distress to the inhabitants of the riverside villages. The absence of a protective embankment has perpetuated local residents' suffering and frustration.
The devastating cyclones Sidr, Aila, and Yaas have all inflicted severe damage in the upazila, particularly being the most affected region in these districts.
Every year, extensive losses of crops and fish resources occur due to frequent flooding. Locals recount that this upazila has suffered 21 casualties due to Cyclone Sidr alone, along with substantial losses to homes and livestock.
The continuous onslaughts of cyclones have added to the misery by causing flooding. These calamities have damaged fishing enclosures, embankments, and ponds. Fragile thatched and semi-pucca houses and crop fields have been destroyed. Around 10,000 hectares of land, primarily dedicated to cultivating rice, are submerged due to regular inundation.
Croplands get inundated in villages including Amua, Hetelbunia, Moshabunia, Chingrikhali, Joakhali, Kathalia Sadar, Baro Kathalia, Kochua, Raghuarchar, Raghuardari Char, Talgachhia, Aurabunia, and Jangaliya.
The absence of embankments has left the area vulnerable during cyclones, leading to alarming situations during the monsoon, as stated by Sushil Chandra Mistri, the Headmaster of Aurabunia Model High School. He explained that homes and agricultural lands are damaged, causing extensive suffering to the people.
Tanjila Ahmed, the agricultural officer of Kathalia Upazila, mentioned that every day, around 10,000 hectares of cropland along the Bishkhali River get inundated by saline water during high tide.
The Chairman of Kathalia Upazila, Emadul Haque Monir, emphasised the longstanding demand of the residents for the construction of a protective embankment.
“The government is responsible for building a protection embankment to ensure public safety. As a public representative, I am actively pursuing the construction of the embankment.”
