30metres of Teesta bridge embankment collapses, Rangpur-Kakina road at risk

Around 30 metres of the Teesta bridge protection embankment in Gangachhara upazila of Rangpur have collapsed into the river, posing a serious threat to nearby Rangpur-Kakina road.

Since Saturday evening, due to the increase in the water level of the Teesta River and strong current, at least 30 meters of the protection dam on the north-western end of the bridge has disappeared into the riverbed.

Locals fear that communication system may be cut off at any time if immediate action is not taken.

According to local sources, cracks appeared in various places of the dam as the water pressure of the river continued to increase after the evening. Later, a large part collapsed and went into the river within a short time. A hole about 60 feet deep has been created at the site of the collapse. As a result, concerns have been raised about the safety of the bridge's connection road and the surrounding area.

Locals allege that this is not a sudden incident. Last year, an area of ​​about 100 feet had disappeared into the riverbed at the same place. At that time, local representatives and residents demanded permanent protection measures, but the authorities concerned tried to manage the situation by temporarily erecting bamboo pilings instead of a sustainable solution. Although the work was done at a cost of about 1.4 million taka, this time the pilings have broken due to the strong current of water.

Laxmitari Union Parishad Chairman Abdullah Al Hadi said, after last year's erosion, we had repeatedly demanded that the dam be permanently protected by placing blocks. But temporary measures were taken ignoring that demand. Now we have to suffer the consequences of that decision. If effective steps are not taken quickly, the very existence of the Mahipur Bridge will be threatened.

Local residents also expressed their anger and said that every year, when the monsoon comes, we have to live in fear of Teesta erosion. However, due to the lack of long-term planning, the same problem is recurring again and again. The people's suffering is increasing as there is no permanent solution despite government money being spent.

Meanwhile, Gangachara Upazila LGED Engineer Shah Md. Obaidur Rahman said that bamboo pilings were erected as per the advice of an expert team that came from Dhaka last year. The matter of the new erosion has already been reported to the higher authorities. Necessary measures will be taken after visiting the site on an urgent basis.

Gangachara Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Jasmine Akhter also visited the site. She said that the concerned departments have been informed about the situation and initiatives are being taken to take preventive measures quickly.

In this erosion-prone area of ​​the Teesta River, the Mahipur Bridge is one of the most important means of communication between Rangpur and Kakina and the surrounding villages. As a result, the collapse of the Raksha Dam is not only an infrastructural crisis, but also a major threat to the daily commute of thousands of people, business and commerce and the local economy.