S DILIP ROY

Fresh erosion by the Brahmaputra has swallowed at least 120 hectares of cropland in over the past two weeks, leaving more than a hundred homesteads, educational institutions, and rural infrastructure newly at risk and deepening anxiety among riverbank communities.

Residents said erosion recurs annually before and after the monsoon, but the absence of effective, long-term protection forces families to lose land and homes repeatedly. They urged swift implementation of a sustainable river management project.

The latest erosion has intensified in Char Shoulmari union, particularly in Char Gendar Alga, Sonapur, West Khedaimari, Sukhurbati, Ghughumari, and Namazer Char, where strong currents are eating away riverbanks daily.

Farmers report heavy losses of boro paddy, maize, jute, vegetables, and other seasonal crops, dealing a severe financial blow to already vulnerable households.

The area is still reeling from a major erosion episode around 10 months ago that affected at least 720 families in the same union, destroying homes and cropland. Many of those families continue to live on roadsides, on others’ land, or in makeshift shelters without rehabilitation.

With erosion resuming, panic has returned. Fearing sudden displacement, many families are staying awake at night to guard their homes.

Char Shoulmari Union Parishad member Samsher Ali said, “Lists of the affected 720 families have been submitted to the chairman. But no effective steps have been taken so far. Meanwhile, erosion has started again.” He said, “According to our measurement, 120 hectares of cropland in Roumari upazila have been lost to erosion.”

Residents described a cycle of repeated loss. “At this age, my house has been destroyed seven times. Now I have no home of my own,” said Akbar Hossain, 55, of Sonapur, who currently lives under a bamboo grove. Others echoed similar hardship, with some reporting their homes had been washed away eight to eleven times.

Meherbanu Begum, 50, said, “My house has been destroyed four times. My husband is sick, there is no income… Where will I go with small children?”

Local schoolteacher Atiar Rahman warned that continued erosion could threaten Char Gendar Alga Government Primary School, roads, mosques, and markets, disrupting education and communication.

River activist Mahmudddin Mohir said, “Every time, assurances are given, but no effective steps are taken. Temporary measures like dumping geo-bags are not enough. A permanent river management project must be undertaken here.”

Kurigram Water Development Board Executive Engineer Rakibul Hasan said the situation has been reported to higher authorities. “Action will be taken if allocation is received. However, there is currently no allocation for emergency work,” he said, adding that a proposal for a permanent erosion control project is under consideration.