Area measuring one and half kilometer of Sonarampur village under Ashuganj in Brahmanbaria has been devoured by the Meghna River in last three years.
The continuing erosion has put the Ashuganj-Sirajganj National Power Grid Transmission Line in grave danger. Locals blame the unplanned sand extraction by dredger few years ago for the situation.
Residents at Charsona-rampur said, sand was extracted from Meghna River near the village in an unplanned way few years back. As a result, erosion started.
Brahmanbaria Water Development Board Executive Engineer Goura Pada Sutradhar said that the matter was informed to the higher authorities.
Ashuganj Charchartola UP Chairman Ziauddin Khandaker said a quarter extracted sand in the area with a dredger, which was stopped in the face of protest of locals.
Managing director of Ashuganj Power Station Company Ltd (APSCL) MM Sajjadur Rahman told The Asian Age that Ashuganj UNO submitted a report last year on the national grid line. The char cannot be protected if dyke and retaining wall aren't constructed immediately.
Deputy Commissioner Hayat-ud-Daula Khan said, "Naturally, the erosion occurs due to the Meghna River. Sand extraction was stopped three years ago considering the national power grid line and Charsonarampur village. I will take immediate measures in this regard.'
---Golam Sarwar, Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria