(BSS) – Construction of an embankment has begun to protect erosion-prone areas of Char Ashariyadah Union in Godagari upazila of the district.

The initiative was formally inaugurated on Thursday through prayers and a special munajat, bringing much-needed relief to char residents who have long been living in fear of river erosion.

Char resident Nishan Ali said there was no alternative to building an embankment to protect the area from erosion.
“We are gradually trying to stop the erosion. Our elder brother Abdullahil Kafi has been running around and struggling for a long time to prevent river erosion at various places. Along with him, we are also trying to ensure the construction of the embankment,” he added.

Elderly char resident Saibur Islam said, “I have lost my home to the river three times in my life. I have spent nights under the open sky with my children. Seeing the embankment work today, it feels like I may finally be able to live peacefully in my old age.”

Local housewife Hajera said she could not sleep at night out of fear of river erosion. “My heart used to tremble thinking about when the river might swallow our house. With the work starting today, I feel encouraged. At least now I can live a little more peacefully with my children,” she said.

Farmer Kalu Islam said three bighas of his land had already been devoured by the river. “If the erosion had not been checked, we would have had no way to survive. If the embankment work is completed properly, we will be able to return to our fields,” he said.

Local resident and chairman candidate Abdullahil Kafi said, “We have suffered a lot due to river erosion and will continue the struggle in the future. The start of the embankment work today is a great joy for us.”

Acting chairman of Ashariyadah Union Parishad Abdul Hai said, “Undoubtedly, this is a commendable initiative for the char residents. It will reduce the fear of river erosion to some extent. We want all necessary embankment construction activities to be implemented to protect the char.”

Executive Engineer of the Rajshahi Water Development Board Arifur Rahman Ankur said that initially a 1,100-metre embankment would be constructed in Char Ashariyadah Union. Later, under the project, embankment works would be carried out along about four kilometres of vulnerable riverbank areas.