The local residents have urged the concerned people to take permanent measures to prevent the collapse on an urgent basis

The water level of Jamuna River is rising due to incessant rain and water from upstream, sparking fears of river erosion among the people of low-lying areas. 

The low lying areas of Dewanganj, Islampur, Melandah, Motherganj and Sarishabari upazilas of Jamalpur have been inundated in water.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB, the water is flowing below 0.5cm below the danger line of 19.05cm. 

The way the water is increasing, there is a danger that the water of the Jamuna river will cross the danger level in the next 24 hours.

During a visit on Wednesday, it was found that the Katma village of Noarpara union of Islampur upazila is devouring into the Jamuna river with the increase of water level. 

Hasar Ali, a victim of river erosion, said that the water in the Jamuna river has been rising for several days. Along with that, river erosion has started. Locals are in fear that hundreds of houses and crop lands including Katma, Bhangbari, Togarchar, Maijbari Janata Bazar will disappear anytime due to river erosion. 

He said that many people have lost their houses due to the river erosion and are living inhumane life by sheltering under the open sky or elsewhere.

Residents complained that sand-filled geo bags were dropped during river erosion last year, but the work was not done properly.

The local residents urged the concerned people to take permanent measures to prevent the collapse on an urgent basis. 

Engineer Ruman Hasan, Chairman of Noarpara Union, said: "With the increase in the water level of Jamuna river, extensive erosion has started in Katma village. I have informed the Jamalpur Water Development Board.

Tanvir Hasan Roman, upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Islampur Upazila said that he has been informed about the matter. 

“I spoke with the BWDB. Quick action will be taken in this regard,” he added.