In Feni's Neyamatpur area, residents are urgently calling for durable embankments rather than temporary relief supplies, as severe riverbank erosion threatens their homes and safety. The community is seeking a long-term solution to protect their properties from the relentless erosion caused by the Kalidash Pahalaiya River.
 
Feni, Sep 08 (V7N) - Residents of Neyamatpur in Lemuya Union, Feni Sadar Upazila, are facing severe erosion along the Kalidash Pahalaiya River. They are insisting on the construction of durable embankments rather than receiving relief supplies.
 
The local community is under severe stress due to the erosion, which has already washed away nearly half a bigha of riverbank. If the erosion continues, Abul Kalam Mia’s house is at risk of collapsing. The affected residents have submitted multiple petitions to the Water Development Board, the UNO office, and the District Commissioner’s office to protect their homes. Abul Kalam, along with other residents, has signed and submitted petitions to these offices. 
 
The entire community is deeply concerned about the riverbank erosion, having previously seen the riverbank repaired with stone slopes nine years ago. However, these slopes have now been eroded by floodwaters. 
 
The Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board, Rasheed Shahriar, reported that the floods have caused damage worth crores of taka. To address the problem, they have initiated both temporary and permanent projects at the affected sites, with contractors expected to start work soon.
 
In South Chandpur, erosion has destroyed a centuries-old brick road and has submerged two houses in Joldas Bari. The Water Development Board is also planning to install stones and carry out repairs to prevent further erosion. Meanwhile, a local youth is protesting by sitting in the river with a banner demanding durable embankments instead of relief supplies.
 
Authorities have informed the District Commissioner and the UNO about the erosion issues and the road repairs needed in Lemuya. Sandbags have already been placed on the road, and the Water Development Board has asked their contractor to prepare a cost estimate. Work is expected to begin soon, starting with the placement of sandbags.
 
Abul Kalam Mia stated that only three feet of the riverbank remains before it could collapse. Bamboo stakes have been set up, and materials have arrived for immediate use. The primary demand of the residents is the construction of durable embankments.
 
Local journalists highlight that many residents have witnessed riverbank erosion and the destruction of homes from a young age. Some have relocated their homes elsewhere, sacrificing their own land to mitigate the river’s impact. The ongoing erosion and loss of ancestral property have caused immense distress. The community is urgently calling for the construction of durable embankments rather than temporary relief measures.