Two spars in Jamuna dam washed away in Sirajganj

At least 20 villages in the areas will be inundated if Jamuna water increases, local people said.

The Water Development Board (WDB) had constructed the Vatpiari spar last year at the cost of Tk 11 crore 12 lakh to protect the Jamuna embankment from erosion to save lands and human habitations.

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The original budget was Tk 9 crore. But as the under-construction spar was damaged last year, additional Tk 2 crore 12 lak was sanctioned and the project was somehow completed.

Local people alleged that the spar was damaged as the construction was done during monsoon. This year also, WDB floated tender for its reconstruction when the dry season was over.

They further alleged that the authorities have started dumping concrete blocks and sand bags to save the spar, but it is an eye wash.

The spar at Meghai was constructed in 2001 at the cost of Tk 15 crore.

If the river water increases, reconstruction of the spurs will be hampered.

When contacted, WDB Executive Engineer Mojibor Rahman said the Jamuna embankment in entire Kazipur area is under threat now.