Khulna: There was erosion for the third time due to the impact of Fani in WDB ring embankment in Banishanta union situated on the bank of Pashur river. Though there was no remarkable damage in Khulna district due to the cyclonic storm Fani but the people of Banishanta union could not escape wrath.
On Sunday(May 5) at noon time about hundred feet earthen ring embankment behind the Banishanta market eroded at two different points due to the pressure of water when there was high tide in the river Pashur. About 300 hundred families were marooned when water intruded in the locality through the erosion points.
Local peoples’ representatives and administration officials visited the affected place. On the following night more 50 feet of the embankment eroded.
One affected local Bimal Krishna told Barta 24.com that due to this Fani the embankment eroded for the third time. Earlier on two occasions we ourselves repaired the affected embankment voluntarily by placing sands and sand filled bags. But this time due to high tide the repair could not be done.
Abdul Wadud UNO of Dakope upazilla told Barta 24.com that earlier on two occasions the villagers got the embankment repaired on voluntary basis but this time they could not do it because of high tide in the river. However, the administration has so far provided 5 kilograms of rice each among 500 families, pulses, edible oil and other daily necessities. More relief would be distributed if necessary but the main challenge is the repair of the affected ring embankment. However the repair will start Monday morning.
On the other hand the locals have demanded sustainable embankment which can face the pressure of high tide. The coastal people are giving more importance on the repair of embankment than relief.
It may be mentioned here that due to the third time erosion more than a thousand families of nine unions, one pourashava were affected. The intruded tidal water caused inundation of most religious institutions, business establishments and homesteads of Banishanta union.