Unprotected Teesta Bank Raises Fears

In Kurigram, residents living along an unprotected 3.5-kilometre stretch of the Teesta River embankment in Bajra Union under Ulipur Upazila are facing heightened anxiety over potential river erosion as the monsoon season approaches. Concerns have also intensified due to delays in ongoing river protection works across other sections of the riverbank.

Under the Flood Control and Drainage Project (South Project) of the Kurigram Water Development Board, authorities initiated protection works on the left bank of the Teesta River in Ulipur Upazila for the 2024–2025 financial year. The scheme covers 14.5 kilometres of riverbank protection divided into two phases, involving 40 work packages with an allocated budget of 8.5 million taka. Approximately 75 per cent of the work was completed ahead of the rainy season; however, three packages have yet to commence.

Local residents also report that no allocation has been made for the remaining 3.5-kilometre unprotected section, leaving thousands vulnerable to seasonal flooding and erosion.

Locals, including Bakul Mia (40), Abdul Aziz Mia (60), and Aklima Begum (55), said that although erosion protection measures have been planned from the western WAPDA cross dam to the Kasimbazar area in Gaibandha district to the east, significant gaps remain untreated. They warned that nearly 25,000 people could face severe disruption during floods, often being forced to abandon their homes and take temporary shelter elsewhere, while also attempting to safeguard livestock and belongings in difficult conditions.

Chairman of Bajra Union Parishad, Abdul Kaiyum Sarkar, stated that out of 6.5 kilometres of riverbank within his jurisdiction, 3 kilometres were included in the approved allocation, yet work on three packages remains uninitiated. He further noted that no allocation has been received for the remaining 3.5 kilometres, increasing concerns ahead of the upcoming flood season.

Executive Engineer of the Kurigram Water Development Board, Md Rakibul Hasan, confirmed that river protection works covering 14.5 kilometres are being implemented in two phases. He explained that while dumping activities have been completed in three packages, slope protection work has not yet begun due to a sudden rise in water levels. He added that work would resume once the water recedes. He also stated that a third phase covering the additional 3.5 kilometres remains pending approval despite submitted demand proposals. Until then, the area is being monitored, with emergency geo-bag interventions planned in case of erosion.

Summary of River Protection Works (Teesta, Ulipur)