Thousands suffer as erosion by Kirtonkhola turns serious

The Kirtonkhola River has badly damaged around 1000 feet area of the road from Charbaria to Lamchari under Barisal Sadar upazila within the last one month, much to the sufferings of 20 thousand people of the two unions.

Aroj Manjil Public library, founded by late Aroj Ali Matubbar, a self-taught philosopher, is also under threat due to the situation.

"As the Kirtonkhola washed away at least two kilometres of the embankment, river water entered the main road and damaged its different parts. If the erosion continues, the library will come under risk," said Shamim Matubbar, grandson of Aroj Ali Matabbar, also librarian of Aroj Manjil Public Library.

"We urge the authorities concerned to start emergency work to protect the area including the library," he said.

Aroj Ali Matubbar founded Aroj Manjil Public Library at his home village Lamchari in Barisal Sadar upazila in the Bengali year of 1386.

This library got a Tk 3 lakh development work two years ago, but the number of readers has recently decreased due to snapping of the road communication, said Mosaref Hossain Khokon, secretary of the library committee.

"The Kirtonkhola River flow now merges with its branch Taltali. If we fail to prevent river erosion in Charbaria-Lamchari road, the joint flow may wreak havoc in large areas," said Mahatab Hossain Suruj, chairman of Charbaria union parishad.

The recent erosion has rendered homeless at least 50 families in Charbaria and Lamchari unions while around 500 families have shifted their houses, local sources said.

Now thousands of locals including a large number of students have to cross the eroded areas of the road by trawlers or country boats, but they often face problems due to shortage of vessels.

"When we miss trawlers, we cannot join our classes in time," said Marjina, a Class III student of Lamchari Primary School.

Erosion by the Kirtonkhola River threatens the Charbaria-Lamchhari road while tidal surges often damage dwellings, crops, and fish farming, the affected locals said.

Babul Akther, executive engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board in Barisal, said, "We have submitted a project proposal to the authorities concern but the Planning Commission returned the project proposal with some directions. Now we are conducting only an emergency work at this place."

"If we fail to protect the main embankment from erosion by the Kirtonkhola, the whole area including Aroj Manjil Public Library may be washed away," he added.