District Correspondent, Sylhet: Due to the lack of necessary preventive measures, a significant portion of the Balaganj-Khoshruppur-Sherpur road in Sylhet’s Balaganj Upazila has been entirely washed away by the severe erosion of the Kushiyara River. This has disrupted vehicular communication between Balaganj and Sherpur, causing immense hardship for the local population.
On Thursday, severe erosion in the Fazilpur area of the upazila caused the road and a bridge to collapse into the river. Nearby electric poles have become hazardous, prompting authorities to disconnect the power supply to prevent accidents.
Local sources reported that river erosion began in November of last year. Despite proposals to the Water Development Board (WDB) to install geo-bags and blocks at the time, no action was taken. Recently, temporary measures, such as filling the area with soil and silt bags, were implemented but failed to withstand the erosion. Although the issue has been reported multiple times in local and national media, and even after a site inspection by Subarna Sarkar, Deputy Director of the Local Government Division, on April 28, no effective measures have been implemented.
Syed Ali Asgar, former Vice Chairman of Balaganj Upazila Parishad and Vice President of Khelafat Majlis, Sylhet District, inspected the site and said, “Initially, we had sent letters to the Water Development Board. Despite promises, no geo-bags or blocks were placed, resulting in the complete destruction of the road and culvert.”
He further stated that villages like Hamsapur and Rashidpur in the union face the loss of homes, roads, and agricultural lands to the river every year. He emphasized that without permanent preventive measures, such disasters will continue. Locals had previously urged that the road be constructed away from the riverbank, but their pleas were ignored. He confirmed that the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), road authorities, LGED, and WDB had been informed of the current situation, urging immediate action.
Meanwhile, disputes over emergency repairs have arisen between LGED and WDB. LGED’s Upazila Sub-Assistant Engineer, Pradip Chandra Debnath, stated, “The Water Development Board had previously repaired this location under their project. We have informed them about the current situation.” In response, WDB’s Sub-Assistant Engineer in Sylhet, Golam Bari, said, “A project to address riverbank erosion is in progress. We work on riverbank protection, while repairing the collapsed portion of the paved road falls under LGED’s jurisdiction.”
Assistant Commissioner (Land) and acting UNO of the upazila, Mamunur Rashid Sarkar, said, “The upazila headquarters is now completely disconnected. I have informed higher authorities for urgent repairs.”
The Assistant Commissioner (Land) and acting UNO confirmed that inspections had been conducted following reports of erosion. Discussions with the Water Development Board are ongoing, and efforts are underway to establish an alternative route while ensuring local safety.
Every day, thousands of residents from Balaganj and Osmaninagar Upazilas used this road to travel to the upazila headquarters, district city, and local markets. The collapse has left students, workers, and traders in dire straits. Local residents have strongly demanded the implementation of an effective and permanent erosion prevention project.
