Jamuna turns furious as shoals hinder its flow

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Obstruction to smooth flow of the Jamuna in its main channel caused by many shoals on both sides of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge is the main cause of devastating erosion now going at many points in Sirajganj town and its adjacent areas.

Flow of the mighty river has taken a turn to the town about four km upstream of the bridge due to the shoals, devouring lands and hundreds of homesteads.

Experts on rivers are of the view that it is not possible to check erosion of the river at turning points of its water flow unless the shoals are removed. In such a situation, proper dredging of the river is a must to ensure its unhindered flow at and near the bridge to save the district town, they say.

The authorities however do not appear responsive to this.

Water Development Board officials said about 300 houses and establishments in Charmalshapara, Motinshaheberghat, Malshapara, Puthiabari and Beararghat areas were devoured by the Jamuna in the last one week.

They said as part of emergency measures, the WDB is dumping sand bags and brickbats along the erosion-affected river bank near the town.

Locals alleged they are attributing the deluge to some fake causes.

Meanwhile, demanding urgent steps to stop erosion, about 2,000 people including women and children of the erosion-hit areas brought out a procession in the town and barricaded a road near new Dhaka road intersection recently.

The deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and WDB officials visited the spot and brought the situation under control by assuring the demonstrators of necessary measures in this regard.

When contacted, a senior official of the WDB said they could not understand the main reason of erosion earlier. But now they have confirmed that formation of these has changed the course of the river near the town and upstream of the bridge, he added, seeking anonymity.

He admitted that had the shoals been removed by dredging the river in the dry season, the massive erosion now could have been averted. But it is very difficult to go for dredging now due to strong current.

Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan, WDB executive engineer, also admitted that shoals are obstructing river flow near the Jamuna bridge, causing massive erosion in the area. Besides, unplanned lifting of sand and earth at some points in the river has contributed to this.

He however said they are working hard to protect the vulnerable areas.

Local people said dumping of sand bags is just an eyewash, and they have demanded immediate dredging of main channel of the river.

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