10 Indigenous Khasi Families Face Risk of Homelessness Due to Retaining Wall Construction at Madhabkunda

The construction of an RCC retaining wall along the Madhabchhara stream at Madhabkunda Eco Park in Barlekha upazila, Moulvibazar, by the Forest Department has put the homes of 10 indigenous Khasi families living on the opposite bank at risk of destruction.

Despite sufficient space along the stream’s bank, the wall is being built roughly along the middle of the stream, raising fears that the homes on the opposite side could be washed away by flash floods. Shifting the wall just 4-5 feet northward could have safeguarded these homes from the threat of erosion.

For nearly two months, the affected families have repeatedly informed Forest Department officials and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) about the issue, but no action has been taken to address their concerns.

Under the Sylhet Forest Department’s project titled “Afforestation and Infrastructure Development to Combat Adverse Impacts of Climate Change,” a 500-meter-long RCC retaining wall, with an average height of 11 feet, is being constructed at a cost of approximately 17.5 million BDT. However, the Forest Department has initiated this construction without any plan to protect the 10 Khasi families living along the stream, despite ample space on the opposite bank. The unplanned design raises concerns that heavy rains and flash floods could wash away these homes into the stream.

Wanbar Elgiri, the Mantri (village head) of Madhabpunji, stated that the Forest Department’s haphazard design has put the homes of these families at risk. He noted that constructing the wall with sufficient space on one side has heightened the danger of erosion, threatening to destroy the homes of 10 Khasi families, including those of Bining Lapasam, Kalpana Sarti, Pronati Yangiyung, Jonjali Marlia, Jyotila Hazong, Emily Mukhim, Beronica Khain, Nibing Pasnem, Liton Bunarji, and Ailin Elgiri.

“Before the work began, we repeatedly urged the Forest Department officials to shift the wall by just 4-5 feet to save our homes. They assured us that another project would later build a wall on our side, but what good will that do if our homes are washed away by then?” Wanbar Elgiri said. He added that they had verbally informed the UNO about the issue, warning that the current construction could render the 10 families homeless, but the Forest Department has ignored their pleas.

Rezaul Islam Mridha, Assistant Conservator of Forests, confirmed that the RCC retaining wall is being constructed along one side of the Madhabchhara stream. He acknowledged the presence of 10 Khasi families’ homes on the opposite bank and stated that a guide wall project would be undertaken later to prevent erosion on their side.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Galib Chowdhury said, “I have not received any formal complaints regarding this matter. If a complaint is lodged, I will discuss it with the affected families and take steps to resolve the issue.”