Tangail June 23 - The water of all rivers in Tangail is gradually rising due to erosion from the hilly slopes coming from Ujan. Due to the increase in water, erosion has been observed in seven villages of two upazilas of the district. People of these seven villages are spending anxious days due to erosion resembling the aggressive form of the Jamuna.

On Friday (June 21), the water of various rivers has risen by 18 to 50 centimeters. It has been reported that due to the rise in water in the Jamuna, severe erosion has been observed in several villages including Charpauli in Tangail Sadar upazila's Katuli union and Matikata, Patitapara, Konabari in Gobindasi union of Bhuyanpur upazila.

Residents of the affected areas report that the water in the Jamuna has been rising for several days. Due to the gradual increase in water, the Jamuna is feared to take on an aggressive form. Erosion has already begun in some areas. If the Jamuna becomes aggressive, no one will be able to do anything – houses and trees will be washed away instantly.

Some individuals from Charpauli village of Tangail Sadar upazila state that erosion of the Jamuna has already engulfed the houses and establishments of 35 families situated between 1625 meters of open space in the middle of the dam.

In the erosion, all 35 families of the locality have lost everything and are left helpless. Houses have been lost, some have taken shelter under open skies while others have taken refuge on others' land and houses.

Erosion has been observed in six villages of Gobindasi and Nikrail unions of Bhuyanpur upazila in Bhuyanpur upazila of Tangail district. At the same time, erosion has been observed on the riverbank. Those who fear erosion on the riverbank say that even what little was left after last year's erosion is under threat this time. Erosion has already begun in some areas.

If the Jamuna becomes aggressive, everything will be lost.
According to the Water Development Board, in the last 24 hours, the water of the Jamuna river has risen by 24 centimeters at Porabari point in Tangail and is flowing 12 centimeters below Bipatshimara.

The water of the Dhaleshwari river has risen by 25 centimeters at the Elashin point, flowing 48 centimeters at Bipatshimara in the water of the Bongshi river. The water of the Mirzapur point has risen by 114 centimeters, flowing 93 centimeters at Bipatshimara. The water of the Fothikjani river has risen by 39 centimeters, flowing 88 centimeters at Bipatshimara.

The water of the Jhinai river has risen by 50 centimeters, flowing 56 centimeters below Bipatshimara.
People living on the riverbank, fearing erosion, say that during the last flood season, geobags were placed at various places, including Khanur Bari and Chituliapara, to prevent erosion.

Even these are at risk of being destroyed this time. Moreover, influential locals are taking advantage and placing geobags in front of their own houses. Geobags have not been placed in front of the houses of poor families.

Several individuals affected by erosion last year say that erosion prevention measures are not being taken. Last year, there was a place to stay after erosion in Bastobhita – now that place is disappearing into the river's womb.

According to the executive engineer of the Water Development Board, Md. Sajjad Hossain, the issue of erosion in the Bhuyanpur area of the Jamuna has been informed through the UNO. A project proposal has been submitted to the authorities for erosion-prone areas of Gobindasi and Nikrail unions.

In addition, the process of economic zone work is underway in those areas. When economic zone work starts, permanent dams will be built. He informed that 1625 meters of area in the north and south of Charpauli village of Tangail Sadar upazila has been preserved.

A project of approximately Tk 17 crore has been undertaken for building permanent dams. The work of the dam will start in the coming dry season.

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