Sirajganj Embankment

Work on with hope to finish repair within 48 hours

11 July 2009, 17:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Sirajganj

Repair work at the damaged portion of Sirajganj Town Protection Embankment at Swashanghat is going on in full swing to avert a major disaster. Authorities expect completion of the task within 48 hours.Photo: STAR

Local people and army, police and Rab personnel joined hands with around 400 workers of the Water Development Board (WDB) to repair the damaged portion of Sirajganj town protection embankment. They are placing sand bags, bricks, stones, blocks and other materials at the erosion point to protect the remaining portion of the embankment from erosion. Around 200 metres of the town protection embankment at Swashanghat point on the western bank of the river Jamuna collapsed on Friday due to onrush of water from upstream. People living near the erosion area shifted their houses and other belonging to safer places fearing further erosion. Though the authorities concerned have claimed that the situation is now under control, the locals still fear a major disaster. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdul Latif Biswas, Water Resource Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen, Director General (DG) of the Water Development Board (WDB) Abul Kalam Mohammad Azad and other officials yesterday visited the spot. They asked the officials concerned to take necessary steps to protect the remaining portion of the town protection embankment. They claimed the situation is now under control as they have all kinds of logistic supports. The ministers and the officials concerned also assured the locals of completing the repair work by the next 48 hours. Nizamul Huq Bhuian, executive engineer of WDB, said the situation is now under control. “We are working hard to repair the damaged portion of the embankment and also taking necessary measures to protect the embankment from erosion in the future,” he said.