Unprotected Teesta Bank Raises Concern

In Kurigram, residents living along a 3.5-kilometre unprotected stretch of the Teesta River embankment in Bajra Union under Ulipur Upazila are facing growing concern over possible river erosion ahead of the monsoon season. The anxiety is compounded by delays in ongoing riverbank protection works in adjacent sections.

Under the Flood Control and Drainage Project (South Project) of the Kurigram Water Development Board, river protection work on the left bank of the Teesta in Ulipur Upazila has been undertaken for the 2024–2025 financial year. The scheme covers approximately 14.5 kilometres of riverbank, implemented through 40 work packages with a total allocation of 8.5 million taka. According to project details, around 75 per cent of the work had been completed before the onset of the rainy season. However, three work packages have not yet commenced.

Local residents have expressed concern that the uncompleted sections could expose the area to severe erosion during peak flooding. In addition, no allocation has been made for a further 3.5-kilometre stretch of riverbank, which remains entirely unprotected.

Residents including Bakul Mia (40), Abdul Aziz Mia (60), and Aklima Begum (55) stated that while erosion protection measures have been planned from the western WAPDA cross dam towards the Kasimbazar area in Gaibandha district, gaps remain in the central stretches. They warned that approximately 25,000 people could be affected, often forced to leave their homes during floods and seek temporary shelter elsewhere, while also struggling to move livestock and household belongings to safety.

Bajra Union Parishad Chairman Abdul Kaiyum Sarkar said that out of 6.5 kilometres of riverbank within his jurisdiction, 3 kilometres were included under the approved allocation. However, work in three packages has not yet begun. He further noted that no approval has been received for the remaining 3.5-kilometre unprotected stretch, increasing concerns ahead of the monsoon season.

Executive Engineer of the Kurigram Water Development Board, Md Rakibul Hasan, confirmed that river protection works spanning 14.5 kilometres are being implemented in two phases. He explained that dumping work has been completed in three packages, but slope protection activities have not started due to a sudden rise in river water levels. He added that work would resume once water levels recede.

He also stated that a third phase covering the additional 3.5 kilometres has been proposed but has not yet received approval. Until then, the area remains under observation, with emergency geo-bag placement planned should erosion occur.

Overview of Teesta River Protection Project (Ulipur)