Nur Uddin Jabed, Lakshmipur: Due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and the impact of the new moon, water levels in the Meghna River have risen significantly. As a result, vast areas of Komolnagar and Ramgati upazilas in Lakshmipur district have been submerged by tidal waters. This situation has persisted for the past three days, causing immense suffering for over one hundred thousand residents in the region.
The water level began to rise from Saturday afternoon, inundating riverside homes and roads. In some areas, water entered people`s houses. Although the water slightly receded in the evening, the hardship remained unchanged.
During a visit to the Madhya and Paschim Char Martin areas of Komolnagar, it was observed that tidal water was rapidly flowing into the localities. Low-lying areas were flooded, and water accumulated in courtyards and roads. Several fishponds overflowed, releasing fish.
Idris Ali, a resident of Char Martin, said, Tidal water enters our house, making it difficult to cook or protect our livestock. We`re now worried the Aman seedbeds will be destroyed.
Local residents complained that although the government approved a Tk 3,100 crore project to prevent erosion of the Meghna River, there has been no visible progress in the embankment construction. After Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5 last year, five contractors abandoned their work. Several kilometers of embankment are yet to be started, while the ongoing work is progressing at a snail’s pace.
Regarding the matter, Nahid Uz Zaman Khan, Executive Engineer of the Lakshmipur Water Development Board, said, People haven’t seen water like this before. This year, eight contracts have been canceled due to the slow pace of embankment construction. Fresh tenders have already been invited. So far, over 40% of the project has been completed.
Locals fear that if the embankment construction in these coastal areas is not completed soon, even more devastating consequences may follow in the future.