PANCHHARI, Sept 9 (V7N) – A collapsed culvert over the Golok Pratima canal in Ward No. 3 of Panchhari upazila, Khagrachhari, has become a potential death trap for thousands of villagers and students. More than a year has passed since two sections of the culvert caved in, but no repair work has been undertaken by the authorities.
Currently, villagers are forced to rely on makeshift wooden planks laid across the broken middle section, while another portion of the structure has gaping holes through which the sky can be seen below. Despite its dangerous condition, residents from seven to eight villages, including Kolabagan, Akshay Para, Napita Para, and Supari Bagan, are compelled to use the culvert daily to reach Panchhari Bazar.
The situation is particularly perilous for hundreds of students who commute from these areas to attend Panchhari Bazar High School, Panchhari Government Model High School, Panchhari Girls’ High School, and Panchhari Government Degree College. Local residents say children and students cross the culvert in constant fear, and accidents are common after sunset when visibility is low.
“The culvert is extremely risky. People are crossing with fear every day, especially children and students. If urgent steps are not taken, a major accident could happen at any time,” said residents, demanding immediate action.
Utchit Moni Chakma, Chairman of Ward No. 3 in Panchhari Union, confirmed the danger. “The upper parts of the Golok Pratima culvert have collapsed, and people are now moving across by placing wooden planks in a highly risky manner. The bottom structure and pillars are completely damaged. We urge the administration to repair or reconstruct the culvert on an emergency basis,” he told Voice7 News.
Locals fear that without swift intervention, the neglected culvert could lead to serious casualties.
Reporting by: Voice7 News Khagrachhari Correspondent
END/BTK/SMA/
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