Rajshahi, July 8 (V7N) – As monsoon waters continue to swell the Padma River, severe erosion is threatening thousands of residents in the riverbank villages of Charghat upazila in Rajshahi district. In Yusufpur Union’s Sahapur area, local families are facing sleepless nights and imminent displacement as riverbanks crumble away.
 
The erosion, which begins annually with the monsoon rise in water levels, has already displaced several thousand families over the years. Many residents have lost their homes and farmland, forcing them into destitution or to live as landless.
 
On Sunday, local inspections confirmed fresh erosion in Sahapur. Villager Hiyad Ali (45) said his homestead and crops are under constant threat. “Every year we lose land. There's no permanent protection — only temporary responses that waste government funds,” he said.
 
Shila Mondal, wife of Gopal Mondal, echoed similar concerns. “Despite repeated erosion, authorities haven’t taken permanent measures,” she noted. Another resident, Shefali Begum, recalled how her home collapsed into the river last year. “Now, another house is on the verge of vanishing.”
 
Nur Islam, a shopkeeper from the riverbank, criticized the use of geo-bags as ineffective. “Only permanent embankments can stop this destruction,” he said, while other locals emphasized they are not seeking aid — just a safe place to live with proper river protection.
 
Yusufpur Union Chairman Ariful Islam Makhan confirmed widespread erosion and said he had alerted the Water Development Board (WDB), which has since taken emergency steps. Rajshahi WDB Sub-Divisional Engineer Partha stated that geo-bags are currently being used at high-risk sites and further measures will be taken as waters rise.
 
Charghat Upazila Executive Officer Jannatul Ferdous also visited the site and confirmed coordination with relevant authorities for erosion control. “We remain in close communication with affected residents and are monitoring the situation closely,” she said.
 
The seasonal recurrence of river erosion remains a critical threat in northern Bangladesh, particularly as climate change intensifies monsoon activity. Locals continue to call for long-term embankment solutions to preserve homes, livelihoods, and the future of riverine communities.
 
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