SIRAJGANJ. Oct 9: The existence of Brahmaputra Flood Control Embankment from Kazipur to Bherakhola In Sirajganj district I* threatened due to heavy rush of erosion hit victims occupying part* of the embankment

It Is learnt that the Brahmaputra Flood Control Embankment was constructed in I960 on the Brahmaputra and Jamuna basin* from Dalkhawas In Kurigram district to Bhe rakhola In Sirajganj district. The embankment was constructed so save vast tracts of arable land In the western side from flood water.

During the rainy season* every year, a considerable por tlon* of the embankment are reportedly washed away The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) construct* new retired' embaiikment* This practice is going on almost every year

For the first time this year Ui absence ut Hood* so far no point of the embankment wa*

eroded

Erosion of the mighty Jamuna every year render* thousand* of families homeless. Few can afford to buy new land for accommodation

The majority of landless families have taken shelter on the main and newly construe ted retired embankments At least one lakh families are now living on the embank ment. according to unofficial sources

Besides, a considerable number of business establish ments have been set up at the main* point* of the embank ment Temporary houses were built at Khabandil. Gondl Bazar Banglabazar Reghai. Subha gacha and Nalurapur in Kazi pur thana Resra. Satiantall Sakiabad and Rairpur in Sadar thana. Rajapur Someshpur Kadarntaii. Ambaria. Chala Re ghulia and AJugara tn Belkuchi thana Betil. Gopalpur. Rall para and Sthal In Chow hall thana and Rakra. Rupshl and Jalalpur in Ahahzadpur thana The WDB embankment from

Someshpur to Enayetpur Is used as the bus route of Siraj ganj Shahsadpur road At the bu* stop*, some business establishments have been set up Due to unabated con* tructlon of houses and shops on and by the sides of the embankment the embank ment Is narrowed and the slopes of the same have turned weak Maintenance works could not be done properly due to occupation by the victims at different points

When contacted a source of the Sirajganj Operation and Maintenance (O and Ml Division of BWDB told this cor respondent that heavy pres sure on the embarkment can cause disaster any time He cited the example of rain cut

After heavy downpour the rain cuts can not be repaired prop erty due to presence of houses and shops on both the skies ol the embankment Consequ ently. breaches are created and the stopings ol the embankment turns weaker