Severe erosion at Morichap River threatens Ashashuni town and homes amid ineffective mitigation efforts

ASHASHUNI, SATKHIRA — Severe riverbank erosion along the Morichap River is threatening residential properties and businesses in the Ashashuni Upazila headquarters, located approximately 24 kilometers from Satkhira district town. The situation has intensified near the Chapra Bridge, where eroding soil and collapsing infrastructure have left local residents in a state of crisis.

Recent site observations reveal a landscape defined by deep fissures, collapsed walls, and structures teetering on the edge of the riverbank. Residents report that the erosion has accelerated significantly following a river dredging project conducted two years ago. Local accounts suggest that the dredging altered the river’s flow, directing the current aggressively toward the Ashashuni bazaar and neighboring residential plots.

Minara Begum, a local resident, described the loss of three rooms of her home to the river within the last year. According to Minara, her house stood more than 20 meters from the riverbank when it was constructed by her husband a decade ago. Despite the placement of sandbags and temporary materials, the constant tidal surges and rainfall continue to wash away the soil, leaving her and her family with no recourse.

Business owners, including tea vendor Mohammad Abdul Hai, who has operated in the Ashashuni market for 23 years, echo these concerns. Residents argue that the dredging process removed critical soil stability at the base of the bank without providing adequate reinforcement. While authorities have periodically surveyed the damage and provided minor relief—such as roofing materials—affected citizens emphasize that these stopgap measures are insufficient to prevent the loss of their remaining properties.

Cancer ravages Rajshahi family as four deaths and two terminal diagnoses devastate single household

Read Article

Local officials acknowledge the gravity of the situation. Ashashuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shyamananda Kundu identified river erosion as a primary challenge for the region, noting that areas such as Budhhata, Kakbasia, Kurikahonia, and Teardanga are also suffering from similar instability. Kundu confirmed that while limited geo-bag placement is underway near the Ashashuni market, current budget constraints hinder more substantial protection efforts.

Abdul Alim, sub-assistant engineer at the Satkhira Water Development Board (WDB), stated that the dredging was performed according to official design specifications. He explained that current emergency measures cover only a 200-meter stretch of the riverbank, which is inadequate to address the total scale of the damage. According to Alim, the WDB has submitted a request for work covering approximately 600 meters, but the project remains stalled pending final budget approval.

The issue has reached the legislative level, with local Member of Parliament Hafez Muhaddis Rabiul Bashar recently meeting with WDB officials to advocate for the construction of a permanent embankment. For residents like Nazma Begum, who has already lost her access path to the river, the situation is desperate. With no land to relocate to, they remain caught in a cycle of temporary repairs and imminent displacement, awaiting a permanent solution from the government.