The Feni-Noakhali four-lane highway project remains significantly delayed, with land acquisition still incomplete in many areas. Photo: Messenger
The Shimultaid Government Primary School, nestled in the Sariakandi Upazila of Bogura district, faces a dire fate as the relentless erosion of the Jamuna River threatens its existence. The gravity of the situation has prompted the Upazila administration to initiate the heartbreaking process of putting the school up for sale, conceding to the grim reality that its survival is increasingly improbable.
Despite a recent reprieve as the Jamuna's waters receded, the specter of erosion looms large over the Upazila. The sight of severe erosion near the Shimultaid Government Primary School in the Chaluabari union paints a grim picture of its imminent demise. Portions of the school have already succumbed to the river's relentless assault, hastening the urgency of the sale process.
Efforts to stave off the river's encroachment have been made in the past, with the deployment of geo and geo bags under the supervision of the Water Development Board. Yet, these measures have proved insufficient in the face of the Jamuna's unyielding force. The erosion threatens not only the school but also the livelihoods of over a hundred families in the Shimultaid village, with the only shelter project in jeopardy.
Officials, grappling with the severity of the situation, have acknowledged the need for urgent action. Golam Kabir, the education officer of Sariakandi Upazila, advocates for the sale, citing the school's deteriorating condition. Humayun Kabir of the Water Development Board emphasizes the necessity of substantial funds to avert disaster, with efforts underway to secure the required resources.
The decision to sell the school, albeit a painful one, underscores the absence of permanent solutions to protect it from the ravages of the Jamuna. Despite sporadic efforts during flood seasons, the lack of sustained measures leaves the school vulnerable year-round. The sale, therefore, represents a pragmatic albeit somber response to an escalating crisis, with the hope that it may prevent further loss of life and property.
As the fate of the Shimultaid Government Primary School hangs in the balance, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the perils of river erosion in vulnerable communities. Only through concerted efforts and adequate resources can the specter of displacement and devastation be averted, ensuring the safety and security of all affected residents.
Messenger/Disha
