Early erosion by Teesta, Dharla threatens thousands in Rangpur region

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

According to the Water Development Board (WDB) officials, the erosion by Teesta started early, devouring the croplands and houses at 130 points in five districts --Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari, and Gaibandha.

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

The water level has been rising steadily for a week, and the erosion is intensifying, the affected residents said. They said that their home, cropland, courtyards, and even the shade of their trees are now part of the riverbed.

Mahendranath Sen, 60, a farmer from Moghalhat Senpara village under Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, said he lost two bighas of farmland to the Teesta in just one week. "Three more bighas are on the verge. The erosion is getting worse every day," he said.

Photo: S Dilip Roy

Jamal Hossain, 65, from the same village, said, "WDB officials came, saw the damage, and left. But no action has been taken. The river is devouring our village. If the government stays silent, where do we go?"

Mobarak Hossain, 65, from Shankardah village in Rangpur's Gangachara, shared the similar frustration, saying, "This isn't just the soil we're losing — it's our future, our dignity. This erosion echoes our helplessness. I've lost my home and now live on someone else's land."

Sirajul Islam, 55, of Harinchara village in Lalmonirhat Sadar, said he lost both his homestead and three bighas of farmland last week. "At least 30 farmers in my village have faced the similar loss. If no permanent solution comes soon, countless families will be left destitute," he warned.

Contacted, Lalmonirhat WDB Executive Engineer Shunil Kumar 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.

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

Mahbubar Rahman, WDB chief engineer in Rangpur, said that Tk 120 crore fund is being used in phases to combat the Teesta erosion. "We are inspecting erosion points on both rivers and preparing to take urgent measures," he said.