Teesta River Flows Above Danger Level, ‘A Sleepless Night Ahead’
Photo: Agamir Somoy
The Teesta River is flowing above the danger level following a surge of upstream hill water, raising fears of flooding in low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat district.
At 3:00 pm on Tuesday, water levels at the Teesta Barrage’s Dalia point were recorded at 52.16 meters, which is 1 centimeter above the danger mark of 52.15 meters.
Officials from the Water Development Board and local residents said the rise in water levels has been driven by several days of heavy rainfall upstream. Although the river had remained close to the danger level for days, it had not crossed it until Tuesday, when a combination of local rainfall and upstream runoff pushed the water above the threshold.
Authorities now warn that continued water rise could inundate roads and agricultural lands in the river basin. Residents fear that embankments and elevated roads along the river may come under serious threat if the situation persists.
Locals also expressed concern that poorly maintained flood control embankments along the river could fail under pressure, increasing the risk of widespread flooding in the coming days.
Picture: Agamir Somoy
Residents allege that the Water Development Board leaves embankment repair work undone during the dry season and later resorts to emergency fixes during the monsoon, which they say leads to misuse of government funds. They argue that proper maintenance during the dry season would ensure more durable protection.
Bajlar Rahman of Gobardhan area in Aditmari upazila said, “In the morning, water rose in the Mohishkhocha area. By noon, it had receded again. We are hearing that water at Dalia has gone above the danger level. If that water flows downstream, our area could be flooded.”
Jahangir Alam of Gobardhan village said, “Water has been rising and falling for several days, but today it increased significantly. Many houses in the char areas are already inundated. People are stranded. Children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities are suffering greatly. There is also hardship in managing cattle, goats, ducks, and chickens. On top of that, there is fear of snakes and insects. Tonight may be a sleepless night for the char dwellers.”
Picture: Agamir Somoy
Sunil Kumar, Executive Engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, told Agamir Somoy that the rise in water levels at the Dalia point is due to continued upstream flow from India.
He said, “Because water inflow from India is ongoing, the water level at the Dalia point has increased. As a result, light flooding may occur in low-lying areas along the riverbanks. The overall situation is being closely monitored.” He added that residents in riverine low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert.
