Erosion has worsened on both sides of the Amrajhuri ferry terminal in Pirojpur’s Kawkhali upazila, leading to the continuous collapse of the River Swandha’s banks, prompting many residents to evacuate the area. The ferry terminal serves as a crucial connection between Nesarabad upazila and the district headquarters, but the frequent displacement of the pontoon and gangway due to erosion is disrupting normal vehicular traffic.
To address the escalating erosion, the Water Development Board has initiated the placement of geotextile bags within a wooden and bamboo fence on the Kawkhali side. However, the fence collapsed prematurely before completion. Local resident Ruhul Amin Fakir highlighted that previous efforts have been ineffective, emphasizing that the erosion hotspot is located at the river’s bending curve and the entrance of the Gabkhan Channel, where powerful waves impact the area, compounded by the riverbed’s significant depth exceeding 150 feet. More than 1,000 feet of land on the Kawkhali side has already succumbed to erosion.
Resident Mehedi Hasan noted the loss of mosques, madrasas, and homes due to erosion, stressing the community’s urgent need for a permanent embankment to safeguard against further destruction. Executive Engineer Nusaer Hossain of the Water Development Board in Pirojpur revealed that the current efforts involve a budget of Tk 45 lakh, with a proposed 1.5km permanent dam project estimated at over Tk 59 crore. He mentioned that a feasibility study has been sanctioned, and a Development Project Proposal is in progress, although the project commencement may be delayed by up to two years.