Photo: BSS

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, June 7, 2026 (BSS) - Growing riverbank erosion along the 
Padma River has triggered widespread concern among residents of several 
unions in the district, who are urging authorities to place geo bags in 
vulnerable areas before the onset of the monsoon season.

Villagers from Narayanpur and Alatuli unions in Sadar upazila, as well as 
Paka, Durlavpur, and Manakasha unions in Shibganj upazila, fear that severe 
erosion could threaten homes, educational institutions, religious 
establishments, and local markets located along the riverbanks.

Residents say the situation becomes particularly dangerous during the monsoon 
and flood seasons when the river's strong currents accelerate erosion. They 
have called on the authorities to take preventive measures by placing sand-
filled geo bags in erosion-prone areas before the rains begin.

Abdul Matin, a school teacher from Alatuli village, said the union has been 
suffering from river erosion for many years.

"Whenever erosion becomes severe, geo bags are usually dumped in affected 
areas. However, because of the strong river currents, the bags often fail to 
remain in place. If geo bags are placed before the monsoon season, they could 
provide some protection against erosion," he told BSS.

Abdul Jabbar, a resident of Char Jagannathpur village in Durlavpur union, 
said the community has faced river erosion for generations, but the problem 
has intensified in recent years.

"The emergence of a sandbar in the middle of the river has altered the flow 
of water, increasing the intensity of erosion," he said.

During a recent visit to erosion-prone areas in Alatuli and Durlavpur, it was 
observed that several public facilities are at immediate risk.

Residents warned that without urgent intervention, government primary 
schools, mosques, madrasas, Eidgahs, and local markets could be washed away 
during the coming monsoon.

Among the most vulnerable institutions are Government Primary School No. 191, 
Char Jagannathpur Junior School, and the Char Jagannathpur market, all 
located close to the riverbank in Durlavpur union.

Responding to the concerns, SM Ahsan Habib, executive engineer of the 
Chapainawabganj Water Development Board, said riverbank protection work is 
generally carried out during the dry season through regular government 
allocations and development projects.

He said emergency geo bag dumping is often undertaken during the monsoon when 
erosion becomes severe, even without a dedicated project or budget 
allocation.

Habib also confirmed that a Taka 748-crore project for the construction of a 
permanent embankment along the vulnerable stretches of the Padma River is 
currently under review.

"The verification of project documents is underway. If the proposal receives 
approval, we hope to begin construction during the next dry season," he said.

As the monsoon approaches, residents continue to urge authorities to take 
immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical 
infrastructure from the threat of river erosion.