Photo: UNB
The Water Development Board (WDB) has opened all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage as the Teesta River is currently flowing 32 cm below the danger level.
On Friday, September 27, the WDB recorded a water level of 51.83 cm at the Teesta Barrage. The previous day, Thursday, September 26, the water level was 65 cm below the danger mark. The rising waters are leading to erosion along the riverbanks.
In the northern district of Lalmonirhat, intermittent heavy rainfall over the last two days has provided some relief to the general public but has posed significant challenges for day laborers who are unable to work.
The Meteorological Department recorded 130 mm of rainfall in Rangpur within the past 24 hours.
The heavy rains have caused river levels to rise, particularly in the Teesta and Dharla rivers.
Hossain Ali, a resident of Char Goddimari, expressed concern, saying, “We are frightened by the rising water. Some areas have been flooded, submerging roads.”
WDB Deputy Engineer Mohammad Rashedin stated, “The Teesta’s water is below the danger level, and all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened. Continuous rainfall has started to increase the river’s water level.”
Ziaul Haque Zia, Acting Chairman of Goddimari Union in Hatibandha Upazila, confirmed, “The Teesta’s water level has been rising for the past two days due to persistent rain, flooding some areas and disrupting movement.”
Nazrul Islam Haqqani, President of the Teesta Bachao, Nodi Bachao Sangram Parishad, highlighted, “Every year, untimely floods and erosion cause the loss of property worth one trillion taka along the Teesta. The only solution is river dredging, conservation, and the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan.”
