River Erosion Threatens Tk 25 Crore Embankment in Narail, Over 500 Families in Danger

In Kalia upazila of Narail, severe erosion by the Nabaganga River has put a Tk 25 crore embankment at risk. The erosion has endangered the centuries-old commercial hub Mahajan Bazar along with at least five villages. More than 500 families living along the riverbank are living in constant fear of losing their homes.

Locals allege that despite repeated appeals and human chains, the Water Development Board (WDB) and administration have taken no effective action.

According to residents, three decades ago the WDB planned a permanent embankment to protect Mahajan Bazar—an ancient trade centre—along with educational institutions, hospitals, religious sites, and thousands of households. Construction began in 2005 from Mahajan Uttarpara to Ghashibaria, covering about 1.9 km of the Nabaganga River. The project was completed in early 2011 at a cost of around Tk 25 crore.

However, for the past four years, various sections of the embankment have started eroding. Parts of the structure are gradually being swallowed by the river. This has left more than 500 riverside families in extreme anxiety.

Local residents Swapna Saha, Parul Bala, and Champa Sahara said they are living in uncertainty, fearing the loss of everything due to the river’s erosion. They are worried about losing shelter for their children, grandchildren, and extended families.

Executive Engineer of Narail WDB Abhijit Kumar Saha said the embankment was built many years ago and has not undergone major repairs. He believes illegal sand extraction from the river may also be intensifying the erosion.

He noted that the nearly 200 km long Nabaganga River flows for about 42 km through Narail district.

Locals are hopeful that the authorities will soon repair the embankment and take urgent steps to protect the families and settlements.