Locals in Netrokona’s Mohanganj have begun returning concrete blocks stolen from a crop-protection embankment after the administration urged them to do so.

The Daily Star earlier reported on the theft of blocks from the 250-metre Chikadubi embankment beside Barantar village in Gaglajur union.

The embankment, built under the Haijda project to prevent Gajaria river water from entering the haor, cost around Tk 1.20 crore and used about 19,940 blocks, according to the Water Development Board (WDB).

Locals said some stolen blocks were used to build cattle sheds, paddy-drying platforms and temporary bathing ghats, while others were sold.

Following the media report, the administration and police urged people to return the blocks voluntarily.

More than 1,800 have been returned so far, said Md Enayet Hossain, WDB sub-assistant engineer.