UNB, Kurigram :
Residents of Kurigram are grappling with the rising waters of several major rivers, including the Teesta, Dharla, Brahmaputra, and Dudhkumar.
As of 3pm on Tuesday, reports indicate that the Teesta River’s water level has surged to 21cm above the danger mark. The Dharla River, meanwhile, teeters a mere 2cm below the danger level, with the Dudhkumar River flowing 8 cm under the threshold.
The Brahmaputra River has also experienced a noticeable increase in water levels.
This surge in river waters has triggered flooding across low-lying regions, particularly impacting the char areas of the river basin. While residential structures remain relatively unscathed, vital transportation arteries have succumbed to the deluge, disrupting communication networks and submerging roadways.
Agricultural concerns compound the situation, as the flooding has submerged fields, causing fear among local farmers about potential crop damage.
Mokhlesur Rahman, a resident of Panchgachia union of Sadar upazila, voiced concerns over the continuous rise in water levels, reporting that the inundation had submerged roads and fields, jeopardizing their livelihoods. “If the water doesn’t recede quickly, we’re going to be in trouble,” he exclaimed.
Erosion has emerged as another pressing issue along the Teesta’s banks, causing distress among inhabitants of Gharialdanga in Rajarhat upazila and Bajra union of Ulipur upazila. Erosion has been noted at approximately 20 points along Teesta’s left bank, rendering several families homeless and leading to dire living conditions.
Victims of erosion in the Khitabkha area of Rajarhat decried the lack of action from the Water Development Board despite years of persistent erosion. They criticized authorities for mere verbal assurances and a lack of tangible progress.
In response, the Water Development Board stated that while major projects are not currently underway, the government is devising strategies to mitigate permanent erosion along the Teesta. Emergency measures, such as deploying geobags in erosion-prone areas, are being enacted to counteract immediate threats.
Aminul, a resident of Kalirpath area of Biddanondo union, highlighted the intensified water flow resulting from the construction of a spur at Burirhat. He expressed concerns that if the remaining portion of the spur isn’t erected swiftly, the intensifying erosion could potentially obliterate the village.
Assuaging concerns, Abdullah Al Mamun, the executive engineer of the Kurigram Water Development Board, confirmed that emergency efforts are underway to tackle erosion and flooding along the Teesta and other rivers.
“Although water levels have risen significantly, there is currently no indication of major flooding in the region,” he said.
