Lalmonirhat: The water level of the Teesta river has risen rapidly again due to continuous rainfall and heavy inflow from upstream. The river water has been flowing 5 centimeters above the danger level at Dalia Point of Teesta Barrage, the country’s largest irrigation project, since 12 noon on Sunday (August 3).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Water Development Board reported that at 6 am on Sunday, the Teesta water level was 2 centimeters below the danger level. By 9 am, it had reached the danger level and surged to 5 centimeters above it by noon. This sudden rise has heightened the threat of fresh floods in the low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat district.
The significant increase in water level over just a few hours has prompted authorities to open forty-four sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage in an attempt to control the situation. Despite these efforts, several unions across five upazilas in the district remain at risk of flooding. In particular, areas such as Patgram, Hatibandha, Kaliganj, Aditmari, and Sadar upazilas are facing the greatest threat.
Among the most vulnerable areas are Dahagram, Goddimari, Doani, Chhayani, Saniajan, Singamari, Sindurna, Haldibari, and Dauabari in Patgram; Botmari, Shailmari, and Nohali in Kaliganj; Mahishkhocha, Govardhan, Kalmati, Bahadurpara, and Palashi in Aditmari; and the low-lying areas of Folimari, Khuniagach, Kulaghat, Mogalhat, Rajpur, Barabari, and Gokunda unions in Sadar upazila.
Local residents are expressing their concerns over the situation. Yakub Ali, a resident of Gobardhan village in Aditmari upazila, shared his worries, stating, “The water level had gone down just two days ago. I thought we might get some relief this time. But today the water has started rising again. If the water level fluctuates like this, it will become difficult for us to survive. If the government implements the Teesta Master Plan quickly, we can get rid of this misery.”
Similarly, Ashraful Ali from Khuniagach Union in Sadar upazila described the worsening conditions, “The water level has suddenly started rising since morning. A few days ago, the water had gone in, but now it is rising again. At the same time, the situation is getting worse due to continuous rain.”
Sunil Kumar Roy, executive engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, provided insights into the unfolding situation, stating, “The water level has increased a little bit around 12 noon, but I think it may decrease after evening. Water has already entered some low-lying areas. We are closely monitoring the situation. It is not possible to say exactly how much the water will increase or decrease after evening. Everyone living in the riverbank areas has been advised to be careful.”