A temporary bamboo structure built to protect the second Teesta bridge in Gangachara upazila has been badly damaged by the first force of monsoon water, renewing erosion concerns along the bridge’s protective embankment.
The 220-meter, double-row bamboo spar was built experimentally on the west side of the bridge under the supervision of the Local Government Engineering Department. The project cost about Tk 14 lakh and was intended to reduce water pressure on the main embankment during the monsoon.
But several sections of bamboo were uprooted and washed away by the river’s current. An executive engineer with the department said 70 meters of the structure collapsed.
Local residents criticized the temporary work, saying it could not withstand the Teesta’s force.
“We have been saying from the beginning, spending 14 lakh taka on bamboo piling to protect against Teesta erosion is a laughable matter,” one resident said.
“Such temporary works will not solve it, a permanent solution is needed,” another resident said.
Officials blamed the failure partly on water hyacinth, saying it blocked the water’s flow and diverted pressure toward the structure.
The executive engineer said a new proposal requiring hydrology and morphology assessments has been added to the Grid Two project and sent to the ministry.
“Once approved, the work will start very soon,” he said.