Rangpur division: Erosion by Teesta, Dharla turns serious

The monsoon has yet to arrive in full swing, but erosion along the Teesta and Dharla rivers has already taken a serious turn in Rangpur region, threatening thousands of families living along the riverbanks.

According to officials of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Teesta's erosion started early, devouring croplands and houses at 130 points in the five districts of Rangpur division --Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari, and Gaibandha.

Meanwhile, 11 erosion-prone spots have emerged along the Dharla riverbanks in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram.

The water levels of the rivers have been rising steadily for a week, intensifying the erosion and devouring homes, cropland, courtyards, and other structures, said affected residents.

"I have lost two bighas of my cropland in just one week, and three bighas are in risk of erosion," said Mahendranath Sen, 60, a farmer from Moghalhat Senpara village under Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila.

Jamal Hossain, 65, from the same village, said, "BWDB officials came, saw the damage, and left. No action has been taken yet, while the river is devouring our village. If the authorities stay silent, where do we go?"

Mobarak Hossain, 65, from Shankardah village in Rangpur's Gangachara upazila, shared similar frustration, "This isn't just our lands we're losing — it's our future. The erosion has left us helpless. I've lost my home and now live on someone else's land."

"If no permanent solution comes soon, countless families will be left destitute," said Sirajul Islam, 55, of Harinchara village in Lalmonirhat Sadar.

Contacted, Shunil Kumar, executive engineer of BWDB in Lalmonirhat, said erosion is currently occurring at 50-55 points along the Teesta, with preventive measures underway at 13 points. "We're working with the funds available. Unfortunately, there's no allocation yet for the Dharla side," he added.

Rabiul Islam, BWDB executive engineer in Rangpur, said erosion was reported at 25-26 points along the Teesta, with emergency work going on at eight priority locations.

Mahbubar Rahman, BWDB chief engineer in Rangpur, said a fund of Tk 120 crore is being used in phases to combat Teesta's erosion. "We are inspecting erosion points on both rivers and preparing to take urgent measures," he added.