A. F. M. Asad Ullah: The Kushiyara River has become a major curse for the Balaganj-Khasru Pur-Sherpur road. This populous and expensive road, also known as the Kushiyara Dyke, has developed massive cracks and subsidence over an area in the middle of Pailanpur-Fazilpur villages under East Pailanpur Union of Balaganj Upazila. Nearly 500 meters of the road, including a bridge, have sunk 7-8 feet downward, with significant portions already swallowed by the river. This has completely cut off communication, causing immense suffering to the locals.
Reports suggest that last year’s floods and post-flood river erosion damaged several spots along the road. The Water Development Board (WDB) repaired these spots, including this one. However, locals allege that improper repair led to the sudden subsidence on Tuesday night, severing connectivity. It is noteworthy that the road was constructed just two years ago at a cost of approximately 200 million BDT. Despite this, repeated erosion has left the residents in a cycle of misery.
Locals have expressed frustration, stating that the road’s collapse has left them in severe hardship. Authorities have yet to take any visible steps. They warned that cracks had been developing at multiple spots along the road for some time. Without urgent and permanent measures, this populous Kushiyara Dyke road may soon vanish entirely into the Kushiyara River.
Former Vice Chairman of Balaganj Upazila Parishad and Sylhet District Vice President of Khelafat Majlish, Maulana Syed Ali Asgar, inspected the site and said, “Cracks have been forming in various parts of this road along the Kushiyara River for a long time. Due to the negligence of the concerned authorities, a major crack formed yesterday, and by the afternoon, the entire section of the road, including the bridge, collapsed into the river. As a result, East Pailanpur Union is now completely disconnected from Balaganj-Sherpur. During the construction of the road, locals demanded that it not be built so close to the riverbank, but no one listened.”
He added, “I have informed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), road authorities, LGED, and WDB about the current situation. The people of this area are suffering endlessly due to Kushiyara River erosion. Immediate repair of the sunken portion and the construction of an alternative road are crucial to maintain connectivity. Permanent measures must be taken; otherwise, the entire road will soon disappear into the river.”
Meanwhile, disputes over emergency repairs are ongoing between LGED and WDB.
Pradip Chandra Debnath, Upazila Sub-Assistant Engineer of LGED, said, “The Water Development Board repaired this spot. Their project is still active, and we have informed them.”
On the other hand, Golam Bari, Sub-Assistant Engineer of the Sylhet Water Development Board, said, “A project to prevent river erosion is under process. We work on riverbank protection. The paved road belongs to LGED; they will handle the emergency repairs for the sunken portion.”
Inspecting the site, Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land), Sarkar Mamunur Rashid, said, “The upazila headquarters have been completely disconnected. I have urged higher authorities to take necessary measures for urgent repairs.”
