Erosion threatens Teesta bridge protection dam in Rangpur

Gangachara Correspondent :

Erosion has been reported at the Teesta Bridge Protection Dam in Mahipur, Gangachara Upazila of Rangpur. Over the past few days, the water level of the Teesta River has risen and is now flowing close to the danger level. As a result, erosion has occurred in several areas along the river.

At 9:00 AM on Wednesday, the water level of the Teesta at Dalia Point was recorded just below the danger level-52.15 meters (MSL), only 7.0 cm below the threshold. This elevated water level has contributed to erosion in various parts of GangacharaUpazila.

Due to the strong current, significant erosion has occurred at the head of the bridge protection dam on the west side of the northern end of the Teesta Bridge in Mahipur. Blocks in the dam have collapsed, and the soil is now eroding rapidly. The bridge itself, the Rangpur-Kaliganj paved road, as well as nearby houses and croplands, are all under threat.

Locals have expressed concern, warning that without immediate intervention, severe damage could occur to infrastructure and residential areas.

Lakshmitari Union Parishad Chairman Abdullah Al Hadi stated that earlier block collapses at the bridge protection dam were caused by rising Teesta water levels. At that time, officials from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) had inspected the site, but no adequate preventive measures were taken.