Teesta riverbank erosion in Lalmonirhat threaten locals

Floods in the Teesta basin in Bangladesh. File photo

Lalmonirhat, Aug 31 -Residents of areas along the Teesta river in Aditmari upazila of Lalmonirhat district are living in fear of losing their homes and crops as erosion has taken a serious turn.

Several thousand families living on the riverbanks were facing waterlogging issues due to the torrential rainfall last week. Several hundred hectares of cropland were damaged during this period. 

But when the floodwater started to recede, panic gripped them as erosion took a serious turn in seven to eight points along the left side of the river. 

Over the past few days, 25-30 houses, croplands and several establishments were washed away due to the erosion, forcing many families to live under the open sky.

Many have shifted their valuables including furniture on the roadside and near the flood protection dam. 

Meanwhile, residents of Gobordhan and Garibullatari villages under Mahishkhocha union of the upazila saw severe erosion at the dead night on Tuesday near the embankment. A number of establishments including a mosque have gone into the river. 

The families of Rabiul, Bhuttu and Yeakub Ali are living under the open sky as their homesteads were washed away due to the erosion.

Locals said if the authorities do not take any steps immediately, the embankment would also go into the river. 

They also demanded constructing a permanent dam along the riverbank. 

Sunil Kumar, executive engineer of Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, said erosion occurred in seven-eight points along the riverbanks while erosion at spur dam-2 took a serious turn. 

They have informed the matter to the high official concerned, he said. 

After visiting the affected areas, GR Sarwar, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Aditmari upazila, said a list of affected people is being prepared and assistance will be provided as per the list.- UNB