Residents of West Londa village in Dhanakhali Union, Kalapara upazila, have met with officials of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), urging the construction of a sustainable embankment to protect their homes, roads, and farmlands from abnormal tidal flooding of the Tiyakhali River.
The meeting took place on Sunday at 12:30 PM at the office of the Chief Engineer (South Region) of BWDB. A delegation of affected families, accompanied by members of the Barishal Divisional Forum for Environment and Public Safety, submitted a formal written appeal during the discussion.
Executive Engineer Nasrin Islam Mukti and Assistant Director (Administration) Md Fazlur Rahman Rajib engaged in dialogue with the victims. Among them were freedom fighter Aminul Islam Faku, farmers, researchers, and other locals, who highlighted their decade-long struggles with tidal inundation.
The villagers, many of whom have lived there for over 40 years, described how high tides during new and full moons flood homes, schools, kitchens, and farmland. They appealed for the construction of a sluice gate and sustainable embankment, stating they are leading an inhumane life.
BWDB officials listened attentively and assured that the issue would be raised with higher authorities and included in future planning.
Locals have been staging protests and submitting petitions since October last year, calling for urgent government action to save their homes and livelihoods.
