Farmers fear crops losses as Teesta swells

Staff Reporter  :
The incessant heavy rainfall in the last few days has raised concerns among farmers as the water level at the Dalia point of the Teesta river is approaching the danger mark.

In a bid to reduce the huge pressure of water flow, the authorities concerned of the Teesta Barrage have opened the 44 gates of the barrage to release water.

The farmers who have standing crops including Aman paddy in the Teesta char lands spanning several thousand acres are in fear of losing their crops if the water continues rising.

The water flow at Dalia point was recorded 52.7 metres, which is only 8cm below the danger mark.

Locals stated that there has been incessant heavy rainfall from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon.

The rain water has flooded the crop lands including playing grounds and other areas.

The water flow has increased in all the rivers and tributaries in Lalmonirhat district due to heavy rain, they said.

The water has submerged the low lying areas on the left bank of the Lalmonirhat district and it has causes apprehensions among the local inhabitants.

In the current season, though there were floods in the areas a number of times, but it did not linger.

Now people are anxious of a big flood at the end of the season.

Executive Engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board Shunil Kumar said, “The Teesta water flow has been increased due to heavy rain.

All the gates of the barrage have been kept open to reduce pressure. The Teesta water flow may increase in the next 24-hour.”