Hazardous Harindhara-Gopalpur Road in Kaukhali: Vital Village Link at Risk of Being Swallowed by the Canal.

Kaukhali Correspondent. The road adjacent to the Harindhara ferry terminal located on the western bank of the Sandhya River in Amrajuri Union (No. 2) of Kaukhali Upazila, Pirojpur has become completely unfit for travel. This vital 800-meter-long road, stretching from the canal-side path at the ferry terminal to the Sardar Bari Bridge connecting West Gopalpur, is gradually being consumed by the canal due to erosion. An on-site inspection revealed that, due to a lack of necessary repairs and maintenance over a long period, large sections of the road have collapsed into the canal waters. The dilapidated and narrowing road is riddled with large potholes. There is a looming risk that the entire road could vanish into the canal at any moment unless durable piling and repairs are undertaken urgently. This road serves as a crucial transportation link for Amrajuri Union. Hundreds of people from at least eight villages including West Amrajuri, Rongakathi, Gantab, Harindhara, Gopalpur, Hogla, and Betka rely on it for their daily commute. Every day, pedestrians, professionals, and students and teachers from local educational institutions risk their safety by traversing this broken road. It is the primary route for local residents to reach the Harindhara ferry terminal and cross the river to get to the Kaukhali Upazila headquarters. Local resident Md. Alauddin and former Union Parishad (UP) member Anil Chandra stated, "This road is vital for our entire area; it allows us easy access to the Upazila headquarters. However, given how the road is sinking into the canal, if repair and piling work does not begin immediately, the connectivity for these eight villages will be completely severed within a few days." Regarding the deplorable state of connectivity and the resulting public suffering, Mehedi Hasan the newly appointed Administrator of Amrajuri Union Parishad and Upazila ICT Officer stated, "I have just assumed charge as the Administrator of this union. I have begun assessing the condition of the various dilapidated and damaged roads here. The issues concerning the Harindhara-Gopalpur road will be examined, and prompt, appropriate measures will be taken."