Teesta Above Danger Level, Flood Fears Grow

The water level in the Teesta River has risen above the danger mark due to rainfall and runoff from upstream hills, raising fears of flooding in low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat district on the river’s left bank. At 6 pm on Sunday, the river's water level at the Dalia point was recorded at 52.22 meters, 7 centimeters above the danger level of 52.15 meters.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the river's water level has increased following several days of heavy rainfall in India. Rain and upstream flows have pushed the water level above the danger mark at the Dalia point in Bangladesh. Although the river had been rising for several days, it remained below the danger level. Earlier this season, water flow exceeded the danger mark by 1 centimeter on June 23 before falling below the threshold the following day. With continued rainfall and upstream runoff, the Teesta's water level rose again on Sunday evening and crossed the danger mark at Dalia. At 6 pm, the river was flowing 7 centimeters above the danger level, raising concerns that low-lying areas along the river may be inundated. Hundreds of families could become stranded by floodwaters.

Roads and cropland in several char areas along the Teesta have already started going under water. Increased pressure from the rising river has also put flood-control embankments and elevated roads near the river at significant risk. Local residents claim that embankments that have gone without repairs for years face serious threats if flooding worsens.

They allege that the Water Development Board neglects maintenance work during the dry season. According to residents, authorities later use the monsoon season to justify emergency repairs and spend large sums of public money. They argue that repairing embankments during the dry season would make them more durable and help protect people from river erosion and flood damage.

Fazlar Rahman, a resident of Gobardhan village in Aditmari upazila, said the water level began rising in the afternoon and has continued to increase steadily.

“Water has already entered several homes in the char areas. Judging by the pressure of the river, it appears a major flood could occur. If that happens, embankments that have not been repaired for a long time may collapse,” he said.

Farid Mia of Garibullahr Tari village said the river level had been fluctuating over the past several days but rose significantly on Sunday.

“Many homes in the char areas have already been flooded, leaving residents stranded. Children, elderly people, and persons with disabilities suffer greatly in waterlogged areas. We also struggle to protect our cattle, goats, ducks, and chickens. On top of that, there is the threat of snakes,” he said.

Sunil Kumar, executive engineer of the Water Development Board in Lalmonirhat, said the Teesta's water level at the Dalia point had increased due to continued upstream flows.

“As a result, low-lying areas along the river may experience minor flooding. We are closely monitoring the overall flood situation. Residents of vulnerable riverbank areas have been advised to remain alert,” he said.