Kushiyara River’s slow bite threatens Sunamganj’s key road

The Jagannathpur-Barafechi road, once wide enough to accommodate steady traffic, has been reduced to a narrow strip hanging precariously over the riverbank. 

With sections of the earth beneath it already eaten away, the road now teeters on the edge of collapse, creating constant tension among people living in nearby villages.

During a recent visit to the area, riverbank protection work was seen underway near Barafechi Bazar, where concrete blocks are being placed in an effort to halt erosion. 

But the situation remains grim just west of the project area, where the river has already bitten deeply into the land, leaving the roadway dangerously narrow.

The affected stretch serves as the only communication link between several localities and the Jagannathpur upazila headquarters. 

Any disruption, residents fear, would completely sever transport and isolate communities from essential services, locals said.

They said the threat feels immediate and unavoidable.

Rahmat Ali, a resident of the upazila, warned that if the hanging portion of the road collapses into the river, people in the area will face severe hardship. 

They urged the authorities to take urgent measures to protect the road before it is washed away entirely.

For drivers, the danger is a daily reality.

Expressing concern, Amin Uddin, a local driver, said they are compelled to use the road despite knowing the risks.

“We know the road could fall into the river at any moment. But we have no choice. To earn a living and reach our destinations, we are risking our lives,” he said.

Officials say efforts are underway, even if they are not immediately visible to passers-by.

Contacted, Sheikh Farid, Jagannathpur upazila officer of the Water Development Board, said erosion protection work is also being carried out along the affected section.

He added that geo-textile bags filled with soil are being dumped into the riverbed as part of deep dumping operations aimed at stabilising the bank, reports UNB. 

According to him, progress has slowed due to a shortage of sand and soil. However, an erosion control project is expected to be completed within the current year.

“Once the work is finished, the road will no longer be at risk,” he said.