On Sunday (September 7, 2025) morning, such scenes were observed in Atarpara Char. Due to the rising water levels, students of Atarpara and Choumadia Government Primary Schools are unable to attend school, as they have to wade through water.
Solaiman Hossain, a resident of Choumadia Char, said, “Water has entered the courtyards of nearly 200 households in this char. We are unable to go anywhere, and managing cattle and goats has become a major problem.”
Abdur Rahman, former member of Ward 2 of Chakrajapur Union, stated, “The 15 chars of the Padma span 46 square kilometers, with a population of about 15,500 and 6,000 acres of land. Around 3,500 people live here. Due to river erosion, many have lost their land. Now, with the new rise in water levels, we are helpless and unable to find any solution.”
Golam Mostafa, a school teacher from Kalidaskhali Char, said, “Due to Padma’s erosion, the traces of Chakrajapur Moza have vanished. Two-thirds of Kalidaskhali Char have been lost.”
Azizul Azam, former chairman of Chakrajapur Union, said, “We have informed the authorities about the new rise in water levels.”
Enamul Haque, gauge reader of the Rajshahi Water Development Board, reported that at 8 AM on Sunday, the water level of the Padma River was 16.82 meters, below the danger level of 18.5 meters. Upazila Executive Officer Shammi Akhtar said, “We are aware of the situation, and necessary steps will be taken.”
