Socio-technical approach for erosion management at shuvogacha bend along the right bank of the Jamuna river

Abstract

Erosion and bankline shifting is the single most common problem along the right bank of the Jamuna river. Bank protection structures are usually expensive. The present study was conducted to review the present situation, morphological change and to identify the proper erosion management techniques from the view point of local knowledge and technical concept. The study revealed that south-east and north east part of this union was fully eroded. Partial river bank erosion was observed in middle, north-west and south-west portion of the area after the failure of two RCC spurs which were constructed in the year of 1999-2000. The main stream of Jamuna river at Shuvogacha bend is gradually changing its course towards the west ~orough the developed channel. The present approach to stop erosion and bank shifting along this bend area seemed to be inadequate which make BRE more vulnerable to river bank erosion. Local people believe that river bank shifting and erosion can be minimized and land reclamation in the problem area is possible by closing the channel and reconstructing the spur 2 with earthen shank. .But this type of erosion management approach may not be feasible because of its higher reconstruction and maintenance cost of spurs. So officials of the Local office of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) suggested for construction of geotextile filter for its flexibility and lower maintenance cost along this bank area Combination of sustainable erosion management approach such as banda! and reconstruction of RCC spurs. can be effective for land reclamation and mitigation of erosion as well.