Teesta crosses danger level: Flood fear looms along riverbanks
Staff Reporter :
Heavy rainfall over the past few days combined with upstream hill runoff has once again caused the Teesta River’s water level to rise above the danger mark, sparking fears of flooding among riverbank residents in northern region.
According to the Water Development Board (WDB), as of 12pm on Sunday, the water at the Teesta Barrage’s Dalia point was flowing 5 centimeters above the danger level.
Earlier in the morning at 6am, the water level was recorded at 52.17 meters-just 2 centimeters below the danger line. By 9am, it reached the danger mark, and by noon, it had crossed it.
Earlier, on July 29, the water level also rose to a similar point, prompting authorities to open all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage to release pressure.
The fluctuating water levels over the past few days have raised alarms among residents of low-lying areas in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts. Farmlands in some regions have already gone underwater, causing significant damage to crops.
“We have increased monitoring in Teesta-adjacent areas and advised people living near the riverbanks to remain cautious and seek safer shelter if necessary,” said local WDB and administrative officials.
Soleman Ali, a farmer from Purbo Kharibari village in Dimla upazila of Nilphamari, told the media, “All of our transplanted Aman seedlings have
been submerged. The water is rising again. We haven’t been able to sleep properly at night.”
Jarina Begum, a resident of Baishpukur Char, said, “Every year we suffer losses due to floods. We don’t want relief, we want the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan.”
Shamsul Alam of Goddimari Union in Hatibandha upazila reported that water has already started entering their yards due to heavy upstream inflow and morning rainfall.
Several areas of Mahishkhocha Union, including Chandimari and Gobardhan in Aditmari upazila, have also experienced partial inundation, with many paddy fields submerged, leaving farmers deeply concerned.
“Many wards in the low-lying Sindurna Union are now waterlogged. Immediate relief is needed,” said local Union Parishad Chairman Advocate Ariful Islam.
Nurul Islam, a water level observer at the Teesta Barrage, confirmed that the water flow is steadily increasing and is being monitored regularly.
Executive Engineer Amitabh Chowdhury of the Dalia WDB said, “Yes, the water level has risen, but there is currently no major risk of flooding. The situation is under control.”
Meanwhile, Sunil Kumar, Executive Engineer of the Lalmonirhat WDB, added, “There’s a significant inflow from upstream, and heavy local rainfall continues. We are closely monitoring the situation round the clock.”