Further erosion by the river Jamuna at Hard Point of Sirajganj town protection embankment has been thwarted by throwing huge number of concrete blocks and sand bags in the breached portion.
Executive Engineer of Sirajganj Water Development Board (WDB) Abdul Malek said that the erosion is now under control and a four-member committee headed by the WDB chief engineer has started investigation into the embankment collapse.
The turbulent Jamuna devoured about 70-metre of the town protection embankment at hard point on July 18 and another 105-metre on July 21.
While visiting the breached portion at the hard point of Sirajganj town protection embankment yesterday, Water Resources Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen said the two affected spots will be repaired at any cost.
Steps have already been taken to prevent breach in other parts of the hard point, the minister said, adding that capital dredging in the river at Sirajganj point will be started soon.
Former engineer of Buet and IWMA Executive Director Dr Monwar Hossain, district Awami League acting President Mostafizur Rahman, head of the four member investigation team and Sadar upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Mohammad Hossain were present.
Built in 1997 by a South Korean company with a 100 years' guarantee, parts of the town protection embankment collapsed on July 19 in 2010 and twice in 2009. Locals brought allegation against the authorities concerned of misappropriation in the repair of the dyke.
WDB sources said 24,000 blocks and 26,000 sand bags have so far been thrown in the breached portion of the embankment at hard point.
BNP lawmaker from Sirajganj-2 constituency Rumana Ahmed also visited the erosion-hit area yesterday morning. She blamed the authorities concerned for not taking effective steps to save the hard point.
Water level in the Jamuna at Sirajganj point marked a further rise and was flowing above the danger level yesterday.
Soruce : The Daily Star
