Sluice gate collapses within two months of opening

Bidhan Chandra Ghosh, Dakop (Khulna)

The newly constructed sluice gate on the Chalna Canal at Boumar Gachhtala in Chalna Municipality under Dakop Upazila of the district collapsed within two months of its inauguration.
Due to the pressure of the tidal water of the Pasur River, the bottom of the gate and some parts of the cast roof above have collapsed and water is freely entering the area.
According to local sources, the sluice gate was constructed on the canal under the Second Urban Area Development Project (GOB & ADB) in Chalna Municipality. Apart from this, a total of 13 projects including canals, ponds, and excavations are ongoing for the development of the municipality. It is learnt that a contractor called Reliable Builders Al Mamun Enterprises (JV) is executing the works.
The total amount allocated for this work is Tk 26,39,72,428. The contract value of the work is Tk 23,73,58,294.
The collapse of the sluice gate within two months of its inauguration is causing widespread criticism in the area. Besides, netizens are also commenting on the subject on social media. Several people from the Khalpar area in Chalna Municipality, who did not wish to be named, said, “The bottom of the sluice gate and some parts of the upper cast roof collapsed within two months of its inauguration due to the use of very low-quality materials. Vehicular movement on the main road is also blocked due to the collapse of the gate.
At present, the river water is entering freely inside the gate at a great speed.
If the water pressure increases anytime, there is a fear of breaking the WAPADA road and gate and flooding the Aman paddy fields in the area.”
Shahinur Rahman, the representative of the contracting company, said that due to the wrong design, the ground beneath the gate drifted and the gate collapsed.
When asked about this, Chalna Municipality Mayor Sanat Kumar Biswas said, “The ground beneath the gate has drifted and created a big hole and water is entering the area. The matter has been reported to the authorities. Arrangements are being made to repair the gate quickly.”