500 families cut off as culvert collapsed in Kurigram

A culvert collapsed under the strong current of the Dharla River in Kurigram’s Fulbari upazila, destroying around 50 feet of a key road and cutting off road communication for more than 500 families.

The incident took place in the Char Gorkamondal area of Naodanga union after the Dharla swelled late on Monday night, 29 June, due to continuous rain and upstream water flow.

Local residents said floodwater entered the area and washed away the culvert, while around 50 feet of the road on both sides also collapsed, creating a large gap and making the route unusable.

The road is one of the main routes connecting Anandabazar with Char Gorkamondal and Fulbari upazila headquarters. Since the collapse, residents have been forced to use longer alternative routes, increasing both travel time and cost. Although the road was damaged five days ago, locals alleged that no effective action has been taken so far.

They demanded immediate alternative transport arrangements and permanent reconstruction of the road.

Maidul Islam, a resident of the affected area, said locals had long demanded a permanent embankment along the Dharla River in Char Gorkamondal.

“But as the authorities concerned did not take any effective initiative, the culvert and the road collapsed due to heavy rain and strong upstream current. Now we have to move through waist-deep water,” he said.

Shahina Begum, another resident, said people in the area had been moving through knee-deep water for five days.

“More than 500 families live in the area. A bridge should be built quickly, or at least an alternative transport arrangement should be made,” she said.

Nayeem Sarkar, a Class VIII student, said the damaged road was the main route from Char Gorkamondal to Fulbari upazila headquarters.

“The road was washed away five days ago. Students and local residents are crossing the broken portion through water at risk, but no alternative route has been arranged yet,” he said.

Naodanga Union Parishad Chairman Md Hasen Ali said higher authorities had been informed about the collapse.

“Alternative transport arrangements and permanent reconstruction of the road, including a bridge, will be taken up on an urgent basis,” he said.

Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md Sirajuddaula said the culvert collapsed due to the strong current of the Dharla River, cutting off about 50 feet of road communication in Char Gorkamondal.

“There is nothing much to do there during the ongoing flood. The higher authorities have been informed, and construction of a large bridge will be undertaken once allocation is received,” he said.

Fulbari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dilara Akhtar said there had been a small culvert in the area, which was damaged by the water flow a few days ago.

“The upazila engineer and the project implementation officer have been instructed to inspect the site and take necessary measures. Alternative steps have also been suggested to ensure smooth movement for local residents,” she said.