People turn to bamboo piling to protect riverbank in Chilmari

BSS, Rangpur :
Hundreds of riverside people started constructing bamboo piling from yesterday at their own initiatives to protect the Brahmaputra riverbank from erosion to save Chilmari upazila in Kurigram.
The common people have taken the initiative with the slogan “Prevent River Erosion- Save Chilmari” after failing to win Water Development Board’s attention despite their hard efforts over the years.
According to local people, erosion of the mighty Brahmaputra had been taking place only during the rainy seasons in the past.
But, due to climate change impacts, the nature has started behaving peculiarly in recent years and erosion of the Brahmaputra has been continuing even during the dry season.
During the past two months, 550 families including 150 families of village Ramnaton, 100 of Hindupara, 200 families each of Sonarpara and Raman Khamargram in Chilmari upazila have become homeless due to erosion of the river.
The Brahmaputra devoured over 2,000 acres of cultivable land so far, and the Ramna rail line, Hindupara, Datiyapara, Byaparipara and adjoining areas are now facing severe erosion threat.
Former Lawmaker Golam Habib Dulal and Chilmari Upazila Chairman Shawkat Ali Sarker, Bir Bikram launched the bamboo piling works at a ceremony at Ramna River Ghat on the riverbank Thursday.
A discussion meeting was arranged on construction of the bamboo piling works there with former Headmaster of Chilmari High School Mohammad Joynul Abedin in the chair.
Golam Habib Dulal, Shawkat Ali Sarker, Bir Bikram, former Principal of Chilmari Degree College Abul Kashem, Engineer Abdul Quader and Assistant Professor of Golam Habib Mohila Collage Golam Mahbub also spoke on the occasion.
The speakers said the bamboo piling will be done at some 15 most vulnerable points initially to divert the Brahmaputra course with a view to save the riverside villages as well as Chilmari town.
Talking to BSS, Chilmari Upazila Chairman said people have been extending cooperation spontaneously, donating cash, bamboos, plastic ropes and free labour and taking part in the piling construction.
Men, women, day and farm-labourers, fishermen, carpenters, weavers, teachers, students, youths, community leaders, elite and public representatives have been taking part in the construction work.
Local inhabitants Mahbub Hossain and Jonab Ali expressed their dissatisfaction over the lack of initiative of the Water Development Board for protecting riverbank there.
Hundreds of houses, vast tract of cultivable land, roads and other properties would be saved as the bamboo piling will prevent erosion of the Brahmaputra, they said.
Local students Lokman, Sohel, Kibria, Lailey, Suraiya, Kajoli, Sobhan, Tarikul, Ful Miah and others said they feel proud taking part in the piling construction works to protect their villages and Chilmari town.