Patuakhali, Nov 04 (V7N) — A major section of a paved road built by the Local Government Engineering Department (LEGED) collapsed overnight in Kalapara Upazila, Patuakhali, leaving a 300-foot stretch inaccessible. The collapse occurred in Tiakhali village, Tiakhali Union, cutting off critical connections between Rajpara, Tiakhali Bazar, Dhankhali, and Champapur Union. With further cracks spreading along the road, residents fear complete disconnection.

Local accounts suggest that the incident was triggered by nearby fish farming activities. Influential locals reportedly irrigated water into a canal close to the road, leading to a sudden collapse around 3 a.m. “We heard a loud noise, and by the time we reached, the road had fallen into the canal,” said Md. Bashir Akon, a resident. He added that several other areas near the road also show signs of imminent collapse due to soil cutting along the canal.

Upazila Assistant Commissioner Kaushik Ahmed, who inspected the site, assured that legal action would be taken against those responsible for the alleged soil-cutting activities. Mohammad Sadekur Rahman, the upazila engineer from LEGED, mentioned that they would conduct a thorough inspection and take necessary steps to restore the road promptly. He added, “We’ll ensure that the road is repaired and made passable as soon as possible.”

The collapse underscores the need for proper land management to prevent such infrastructure failures, which have severe consequences for local communities relying on these roads for essential connectivity.

END/UKH/AJ