The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Madaripur

The Haji Shariatullah Bridge locally known as the Arial Khan bridge connecting 21 districts of southern and western regions of the country with Dhaka, is now in deplorable condition with erosion of the Arial Khan river at Dattapara village under Shibchar upazila of Madaripur district.

This important bridge was opened on May 15 in 2005 by former prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia this bridge was contracted at a cost of Tk 87 crore of which Tk 50 crore for bridge and Tk 37 crore for river management, sources said. Hanil construction constructed this bridge.

Bangladesh Water Development Board BWDB also dumped blocks casting Tk 3 lakh 80 thousands in order to prevent erosion.

But within the span of 2 years of opening this bridge in on the verge of ruin due to lack of proper measure to prevent erosion.

The Arial Khan river has taken L shape. The bridge has been constructed over the lower arm of "L". The strong flow of flood water hits at the 90 degree angle of the "L" washing away sand from the riverbed causes erosion.

If the present situation of erosion goes on this bridge in feared to be destroyed during the rainy reason by one year or two, locals opined.

If the "L" shaped area of the river in converted to a straight one by dredging and excavation or groyne is set to prevent hit at 90 degree angle then the rate of erosion may be brought under control. The Zigzag course of the river should be turned into a straight one to protect the bridge, most of the educated people opined.