Staff Reporter :
The 120-meter of embankment at Khogener Ghat in Chowhali upazila of Sirajganj district collapsed due to strong current of the Jamuna River caused by incessant rain and onrush of water from the upstream.
Overflowing of the Jamuna River and its currents caused breaches in the embankment. As a result, panic is running high among the people of river banks.
Local alleged there is none to supervise the embankment as the Water Development Board (WDB), which is tasked with this responsibility, stands as a mere mute witness to such vulnerability.
They also blamed use of substandard material in constructing the embankment at such an important point which may cause massive erosion in the area in future.
When contacted Shahjahan Siraj, executive engineer, WDB of Tangail district said the under construction embankment suddenly broke down at Khogener Ghat on Tuesday due to strong current caused by incessant rain and onrush of water from the upstream.
“It is difficult to predict the very character of the river Jamuna. Since the collapse of the embankment, we are working round the clock to protect it. I want to assure you that there is no reason to get nervous. WDB workers are dumping GO bags to protect the eroded portion from further erosion,” he said.
Replying to a query about negligence and corruption in construction of the embankment, Shahjahan Siraj ruled out the allegations, claiming they that they are cent percent accountable and transparent in this regard.
“It is not possible for any contractor or engineer to indulge in corruption,” he claimed.
Our Correspondent adds; the Jamuna River has taken a serious turn following the incessant rainfall and onrush of the hilly water over the last several days, raising the water level of the river.
A sign of red mark has been hanged at the erosion area to make residents aware of the incident.
Besides, the 1,050 meter of a flood control embankment is at high risk following the erosion. Several houses, crop lands and trees have been devoured by the Jamuna River as the erosion takes a serious turn on Wednesday.
A local representative blamed negligence of the authorities concerned for causing the erosion.
Local people alleged that the WDB could not take effective measures to prevent the river erosion.
Syed Hasan Imam, an engineer of Water Development Board, Sirajganj, said the dyke has been collapsed following a whirlpool under the breakdown and necessary steps will be taken when the situation will be normal.
Meanwhile, the concerned officials of the district administration visited the spot and urged people not to be panicked.
Tangail WDB started the construction work of the embankment from Nagorpur upazila in Tangail to Sirajganj’s Chowhali upazila at a cost of Tk 109 crore in November 2014 and is scheduled to be completed in April 2018.
The 120-meter of embankment at Khogener Ghat in Chowhali upazila of Sirajganj district collapsed due to strong current of the Jamuna River caused by incessant rain and onrush of water from the upstream.
Overflowing of the Jamuna River and its currents caused breaches in the embankment. As a result, panic is running high among the people of river banks.
Local alleged there is none to supervise the embankment as the Water Development Board (WDB), which is tasked with this responsibility, stands as a mere mute witness to such vulnerability.
They also blamed use of substandard material in constructing the embankment at such an important point which may cause massive erosion in the area in future.
When contacted Shahjahan Siraj, executive engineer, WDB of Tangail district said the under construction embankment suddenly broke down at Khogener Ghat on Tuesday due to strong current caused by incessant rain and onrush of water from the upstream.
“It is difficult to predict the very character of the river Jamuna. Since the collapse of the embankment, we are working round the clock to protect it. I want to assure you that there is no reason to get nervous. WDB workers are dumping GO bags to protect the eroded portion from further erosion,” he said.
Replying to a query about negligence and corruption in construction of the embankment, Shahjahan Siraj ruled out the allegations, claiming they that they are cent percent accountable and transparent in this regard.
“It is not possible for any contractor or engineer to indulge in corruption,” he claimed.
Our Correspondent adds; the Jamuna River has taken a serious turn following the incessant rainfall and onrush of the hilly water over the last several days, raising the water level of the river.
A sign of red mark has been hanged at the erosion area to make residents aware of the incident.
Besides, the 1,050 meter of a flood control embankment is at high risk following the erosion. Several houses, crop lands and trees have been devoured by the Jamuna River as the erosion takes a serious turn on Wednesday.
A local representative blamed negligence of the authorities concerned for causing the erosion.
Local people alleged that the WDB could not take effective measures to prevent the river erosion.
Syed Hasan Imam, an engineer of Water Development Board, Sirajganj, said the dyke has been collapsed following a whirlpool under the breakdown and necessary steps will be taken when the situation will be normal.
Meanwhile, the concerned officials of the district administration visited the spot and urged people not to be panicked.
Tangail WDB started the construction work of the embankment from Nagorpur upazila in Tangail to Sirajganj’s Chowhali upazila at a cost of Tk 109 crore in November 2014 and is scheduled to be completed in April 2018.
