River erosion worsens in Banaripara

River erosion along the Sandhya River in Banaripara Upazila of Barishal has been worsening steadily, taking a severe turn in recent days.

Several villages under Saliabakpur Union, including Goailbari, Khodabakhsha, Khejurbaria, and Bashar, have already lost numerous houses into the river.

According to on-site observations, erosion has been continuing along the riverbanks for the past few decades. As a result, Khodabakhsha Dakhil Madrasa and many nearby homes are now under serious threat. Many families, having been affected multiple times by the erosion, have lost everything and are now living in extreme hardship.

Among the victims, the houses of Rasel Master, Delwar Hossain, and Md. Nasir Uddin, along with several others, has already been swallowed by the river.

It has been reported that the Sandhya River is eroding badly in the areas of Khejurbari, Nabagram, Masjidbari, Gohailbari, Banglabazar, Natwar Par, Sialkathi, Dandwat, Dumuria, Barangati, Purba Jirakathi, Nalasri, Kalirbazar, Chaulakathi, Haque Sahebber Hat, Brahmankathi, and Jambudwip of the upazila. Many educational institutions and religious establishments, including the former building of Sialkathi Ferry Ghat, Masjidbari School and College, Kalirbazar Government Primary School, Jambudwip Government Primary School, and Mirerhat Government Primary School, have had to be relocated four to five times due to river erosion.

There are also families who have moved their homes four to five times due to river erosion, only to face it again.

Locals report that new areas are being eroded every day, leaving residents in constant fear.
Residents complain that no effective measures have been taken for a long time to prevent the erosion.

They are demanding immediate river management projects and the construction of sustainable embankments to ensure permanent protection from further damage.

Local representatives and concerned citizens have drawn the attention of the Member of Parliament for the Barishal-2 constituency, S. Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu, urging prompt intervention.

They warn that without swift action, the entire area may be lost to the river.

Locals fear that without urgent and effective measures to prevent river erosion, a vast area of Banaripara will face severe devastation.