Teesta water nearing danger level, low-lying areas at risk of flooding

Water levels in the Teesta river are rising rapidly due to upstream flow and continuous rainfall. Authorities are on alert as water at the Dalia point in Nilphamari has reached very close to the danger level. To manage the water pressure, 44 gates of the Teesta barrage have been opened, raising concern among residents of low-lying areas along the river.

According to the Water Development Board, the water flow at the Dalia point of the Teesta barrage was recorded at 52.5 cm at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 23 — just 10 cm below the danger level. Earlier at 6:00 am, the water was flowing 5 cm below the danger level.

Residents fear that the sudden rise in water could flood low-lying areas of Nilphamari's Dimla upazila, including Purba Chhatnai, Khaga Kharibari, Tepakharibari, Khalisha Chapani, Jhunagach Chapani and Gayabari, as well as Golmunda, Dauabari and Shoulmari unions in Jaldhaka upazila.

Anarul Islam, a resident of Purba Chhatnai, said, "The water level has risen. We are afraid that if it rises a little more, the low-lying areas will be flooded."

Dalia Water Development Board Executive Engineer Amitav Chowdhury said the water was flowing 10 cm below the danger level at 9:00 am, and the water level could rise further during the day.