Mongla, Aug 24 (V7N) — Environment, Forest and Climate Change State Minister Lion Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam has inspected areas affected by river erosion along the Mongla-Ghasiakhali International Navigation Channel in Rampal, Bagerhat, and called for immediate measures to protect vulnerable settlements.
During his visit to Ramzaipur village in Rampal on Sunday afternoon, the state minister said a significant portion of the village had already been eroded and disappeared into the river.
“Immediate measures are needed to stop the erosion. Piling embankments will have to be constructed to protect this area,” he told journalists after inspecting the affected site.
He said ongoing dredging activities may also be contributing to the erosion. As the channel is an international navigation route, vessels regularly travel through it, while waves generated by ships and the impact of tidal currents are also contributing to bank erosion.
According to the state minister, constructing a piling embankment could help control the erosion and protect nearby communities.
He directed the Bangladesh Water Development Board to take effective measures to prevent further erosion and said the authorities were preparing a sustainable development plan for the affected areas.
Bagerhat Water Development Board Executive Engineer Jayanta Pal said the intensity of erosion is comparatively higher along the Rampal section of the Mongla-Ghasiakhali International Navigation Channel, although erosion is also occurring in the Mongla section.
“Erosion is currently occurring at five to six points along the channel. Work has already begun at three locations, while a new sustainable development plan is being prepared for the severely affected areas,” he said.
Bagerhat Water Development Board Sub-Divisional Engineer Miraj Molla was also present during the inspection.
END/AHS/SMA/
