Cracks and collapses have appeared at several points along the Brahmaputra right bank protection dam near Kanchkol Bazar in Raniganj Union, Chilmari upazila, Kurigram, creating panic among the residents of Kanchkol Bazar, Putimari, and surrounding villages. The latest collapse occurred on Thursday night (September 24) around 12:00 AM, spanning 40-50 meters between Kanchkol Bazar and Putimari. Earlier, cracks and collapses were also observed at other points in the area.
According to the Kurigram Water Development Board (WDB), cracks and collapses have affected four locations spanning about 200 meters within a 600-meter stretch from Kanchkol Bazar to Putimari, placing the entire 600-meter section at risk. Previously, WDB had dumped sand-filled geo-bags on July 1, 16, and 20 following earlier collapses, but fresh erosion has occurred after nearly two months. On Friday afternoon, senior WDB officials—including the Additional Chief Engineer of the Rangpur Division, Superintending Engineer, and Kurigram Executive Engineer—visited the site and assured swift action. Kurigram WDB Executive Engineer Rakibul Hasan stated that damage assessment is underway, repair proposals have been sent to higher authorities for approval, and emergency sand-filled geo-bags will be deployed immediately upon authorization to prevent further erosion. Locals warn that if prompt protection measures are not taken, homes and arable land along the riverbank face the risk of being devoured by the Brahmaputra.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Habibur Rahman, Chilmari (Kurigram) • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
