Embankments in Khulna's Batiaghata face breach risk amid rising water levels

Several embankments in Batiaghata upazila of Khulna including the city protection embankment near Kachubunia in Jalma Union are under threat of collapse due to rising water levels of Shibsha River triggered by heavy rainfall and upstream water flow.

The vulnerable condition of the embankments has raised fears of flooding in vast low-lying areas of the upazila and parts of Khulna city if immediate protective measures are not taken, local people said.

A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal coupled with continuous rainfall and increased upstream water has pushed river water levels above the danger mark.

Strong currents have also intensified erosion along vulnerable sections of embankments over the past several days.

Among the embankments considered most at risk are the city protection embankment near Kachubunia in Jalma Union, Tetultala, Batiaghata Bazar, Baruitala in Sadar Union, Bhadailbunia, Bujhbunia and Sheyalidanga in Baliadanga Union, Baronpara and Maitbhanga in Gangarampur Union, and the Baroaria-Sundarmahal and Raypur areas of Surkhali Union.

Residents fear that a breach at any of these locations could inundate large parts of Jalma Union, other areas of the upazila and key installations in Khulna city.

People living in erosion-prone riverside areas said they have been passing anxious days.

Locals said that the city protection embankment was constructed by closing both ends of the Kazibacha River to shield Khulna city from tidal water.

They alleged that the altered river course significantly changed the geographical and environmental balance of Jalma Union.

They said the diversion contributed to silting up of  Nalua-Pashur River and extensive river erosion that swallowed thousands of acres of land in Jalma Mouza along with homes in Jalma and Kachubunia villages.

Many displaced families said they are now living in makeshift shelters along the government embankment road after losing their homes and agricultural land to river erosion.

Batiaghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer Thandar Kamruzzaman said he visited the vulnerable section of the city protection embankment after receiving reports of erosion.

"I immediately contacted officials of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). They visited the site, conducted measurements and informed us that necessary steps would be taken to protect the embankment," he said.