Fresh erosion threatens newly built Teesta bank protection in Rangpur

Fresh erosion by the River Teesta has begun damaging a newly constructed riverbank protection project in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur within months of its completion, raising fears among nearly 1,500 families living along the river.

The erosion has affected newly built bank protection works stretching about two kilometres from Adarshpara in Lalmonirhat to Talpatti and Narshing in Rangpur.

Residents of Narshing area in Morneya union of Gangachara and neighbouring Harinchara area of Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila said the protection work had offered hope after years of losing homes, cropland and livelihoods to river erosion. 

However, strong currents and fluctuating river water levels have already washed away parts of the structure.

According to locals, the water level of the Teesta has been rising and falling rapidly in recent days due to upstream inflows, intensifying erosion along vulnerable sections of the riverbank.

During a visit to the area on Friday morning, fresh erosion was visible at several points of the embankment. Residents said around 100 metres of the newly protected bank had already been washed away in some sections since erosion began last Sunday.

They feared that continued erosion could endanger about 1,500 families, vast areas of cropland, two government primary schools and an important road used by residents of three villages. Locals urged the authorities to immediately place geo-bags and concrete blocks to prevent further erosion.

Abdul Hakim of West Harinchara said the embankment had been built after years of suffering, but parts of it were already disappearing into the river. "If the embankment is washed away within months of construction, we will have nowhere to go," he said.

Motleb Ali of Narshing said residents feared they would once again lose their homes if the erosion continued. Housewife Selina Begum of Harinchara said she remained anxious whenever it rained, fearing the river might once again wash away her home.

Noor Mohammad of Talpatti said the newly built embankment had given residents hope of security, but fresh erosion had renewed uncertainty.

Executive Engineer of the Rangpur Water Development Board (BWDB) Rabiul Islam said erosion had recently developed along parts of the newly protected bank. "Due to limited allocation, protection work could not be carried out along all vulnerable sections. As an emergency measure, around 6,000 geo-bags are being placed to check the erosion, and the situation is being monitored round the clock," he said.

He added that additional geo-bags and other protective measures would be taken if necessary, while the authorities were also considering long-term solutions to protect the riverbank.