Photo : Messenger
People living along the banks of the Madhumati River in Madhumpur of Magura, are facing the relentless erosion of their land.
From the district map, there are 15 villages that are gradually being devoured by the river. Among them, Gopalnagar, Maheshpur, Harekrishnapur, Jhama, Ardhamaji, Joshobantapur, Charpachuria, Raypur, Murail, Dhupuria, Jangaliya, Ruizani, Kashipur, Dhuljuri, Dwigamaji, Deuli, and Bholanathpur villages are particularly affected by erosion.
“Over the past 10 years, these homes have been displaced 5-6 times.” Rehana Khatun, the wife of Hasan Kazi from Gopalnagar village in Madhumpur, shared their plight. They are impoverished farmers and cannot afford to relocate elsewhere. They are struggling to make a livelihood with their families. She explained that the Madhumati River, with a blink of an eye, has engulfed their homes and farmland.
Rehana Khatun isn't the only one affected; many families along the riverbank are losing their homes. With the river's relentless erosion, they are finding it increasingly challenging to move their essential belongings to safer places.
The banks of the Madhumati River are adorned with a mosque, madrasa, Eidgah, schools, markets, temples, and countless shops. The properties of hundreds of families residing along the riverbanks are disappearing day by day. The number of landless people in the area is increasing, so they are demanding a permanent solution.
Local representative Murad Hossain said that the houses, along with the Madhumati River, are disappearing. Many more households in this area are at risk.
Engineer A.K.M. Mamunul Islam, the executive engineer of the Magura Water Development Board said that a comprehensive survey of the eroded areas in Kabla's vicinity is needed to take necessary actions.
Dr. Shree Biren Shikdar, the Member of Parliament for Magura-2, mentioned that previously, geobags were placed in an area of 300 meters from Harekrishnapur to Jhama, costing around Tk 1.5 crore. Efforts are underway to identify the severely affected areas and provide a lasting solution.
Messenger/Uzzal/Disha
