Embankments at risk of breach as water levels rise in Batiaghata of Khulna

Several embankments in Batiaghata upazila of Khulna, including the city protection embankment near Kachubunia in Jalma union, are at risk of breaching as water levels in the River Shibsha continue to rise amid heavy rainfall and increased upstream flows.
The vulnerable state of the embankments has sparked fears that vast low-lying areas of the upazila and parts of Khulna city could be flooded unless immediate protective measures are taken, local residents said.
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, coupled with continuous rainfall and increased upstream flows, has pushed river levels above the danger mark.
Strong currents have also intensified erosion along vulnerable stretches of the embankments over the past several days.
Among the areas considered most at risk are the city protection embankment near Kachubunia in Jalma Union; Tetultala, Batiaghata Bazar and Baruitala in Sadar Union; Bhadailbunia, Bujhbunia and Sheyalidanga in Baliadanga Union; Baronpara and Maitbhanga in Gangarampur Union; and the Baroaria-Sundarmahal and Raypur areas of Surkhali Union. Residents fear that a breach at any of these locations could inundate large parts of Jalma Union and other areas of the upazila, while also threatening key installations in Khulna city.
People living in erosion-prone riverside areas said they have been spending anxious days as the situation worsens.
Local residents said the city protection embankment was constructed by closing both ends of the Kazibacha River to protect Khulna city from tidal waters.
They alleged that the alteration of the river's course significantly disrupted the geographical and environmental balance of Jalma Union.
According to residents, the diversion contributed to the silting up of the Nalua-Pashur River and severe river erosion, which has swallowed thousands of acres of land in Jalma Mouza as well as homes in Jalma and Kachubunia villages.
Many displaced families said they are now living in makeshift shelters along the government embankment road after losing their homes and agricultural land to river erosion. Batiaghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer Thandar Kamruzzaman said he visited the vulnerable section of the city protection embankment after receiving reports of erosion.
“I immediately contacted officials of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). They visited the site, took measurements and informed us that necessary measures would be taken to protect the embankment,” he said.