The Bhola town protection embankment is under severe threat due to strong currents in the Meghna River, intensified by the monsoon and continuous rainfall. This has led to significant erosion along the Ilisha section, causing large stretches of concrete blocks to collapse. Local sources report extensive erosion around the Ilisha launch terminal, with key facilities such as the ferry terminal, launch terminal, and fish landing center gradually being swallowed by the river.
Impact on Local Infrastructure
The erosion has caused several important installations at the launch terminal to close, leading to significant inconvenience for passengers. The collapse of concrete blocks has also disconnected the pontoon at the Ilisha launch terminal, forcing the suspension of passenger boarding and disembarking. The leaseholder of the Ilisha launch terminal, Luku Chowdhury, stated that launches can no longer berth at the terminal due to the erosion.
Community Concerns and Urgent Calls for Action
Residents and business owners in the area are deeply concerned about the ongoing erosion. Local hotel owner Md Shahjahan, tea stall operator Alauddin, grocery trader Anwar Hossain, and stationery shop owner Parimal Kanti have expressed fears that continued erosion will force them to abandon their businesses and homes. They are urging authorities to take immediate and effective measures to stop the riverbank erosion.
Official Response and Emergency Measures
Nirmal Kumar Roy, Regional Port Officer of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), confirmed that the matter has been reported to higher authorities. Pontoons have been removed from the affected area and are being relocated and repaired. Executive Engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board Zia Uddin Arif announced that emergency geo-bag dumping will be carried out in vulnerable areas to contain the erosion.
Long-term Solutions Needed
Abu Noman, a resident of Ilisha Union and headmaster of Gazipur Secondary School, highlighted that the collapse of concrete blocks has occurred at the same location in previous years. He emphasized the need for a long-term river management project instead of temporary measures to address the recurring issue.
