Makeshift embankment chokes branch of Kaliganga river

A makeshift dam built for constructing a road now chokes a branch of Kaliganga river in Manikganj, causing obstruction to its flow.

The branch originates from the main Kaliganga river in Baliabeel area of Manikganj Sadar upazila. According to locals, due to sedimentation, the natural flow of water remains hindered round the year except during monsoon.

Due to lack of navigability, people have long been suffering while crossing the river on boats.

The locals also said they have been demanding construction of a bridge on the spot to ease their commute between both sides of the river.

Since no step was made to this end, around 160 families from three villages on the riverbank raised funds to build the makeshift dam using sand lifted from the river to construct a road for their movement around five months back, they added.

"Boats cannot navigate the river properly except in monsoon due to poor navigability. However, the river does not dry up completely either, and remains covered by water hyacinths, so it becomes a hassle for us to cross the river during dry season.

A bridge on the river would have solved the problem, but it has so far fallen to deaf ears," said Nazrul Islam, a resident of Saidpur village.

Karm Mia, a farmer from the same village, said each family donated at least Tk 4,000 for constructing the makeshift dam and the road.

"Building a dam on the river in this way is a clear violation of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, and the Natural Water Reservoir Conservation Act, 2000," said Bimol Roy, regional coordinator of Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), a non-government research organisation.

"The water flow of this branch of Kaliganga river has stopped due to construction of the makeshift dam and the road. These must be removed to restore the normal water flow in the river," he added.

Contacted, Sheikh Mejbah-ul- Saberin, Manikganj Sadar upazila nirbahi officer, said, "I visited the site after being informed about construction of the dam and road on the river. I have instructed the locals to remove the dam as soon as possible. If it is not removed, the administration will take necessary steps."

Deputy Commissioner Manowar Hossain Molla said, "After discussions with the villagers, efforts are underway to cut a section of the embankment and construct a bridge using wood or bamboo to ensure the flow of river water."

"The plan also includes enabling the movement of rickshaws, three wheelers, and motorcycles over the bridge. Hopefully, we will be able to complete this within a few days," he added.