School at Risk of Being Lost to River Erosion in Gangachara: No Effective Initiative Taken

There is no preventive measure and no visible initiative to stop the erosion. Concern and panic are increasing day by day. Students and local residents are spending their days fearing that their homes, homesteads and beloved school could be lost. Due to the negligence and indifference of the concerned authorities, the severe erosion of the Teesta River is advancing toward Char Bagdohra Government Primary School in Nouhali Union of Gangachara upazila in Rangpur.

The school is now only about 60 meters from the river. Homesteads, croplands and various structures are being swallowed by the river every day. As a result, students, teachers, guardians and local residents are deeply concerned about the school. Affected families living along the Teesta, students, local representatives and residents have demanded immediate effective measures to prevent the erosion. They said that unless sufficient geobags are placed immediately, the school could be swept into the Teesta at any time.

River erosion has taken a severe turn in the Azizulpara area of Ward No. 8 of Nouhali Union. New areas are disappearing every day due to the destructive erosion of the river. Many families are spending their days fearing the loss of their homesteads. Local residents alleged that officials of the Water Development Board have visited the erosion-affected areas several times and assured them that preventive measures would be taken quickly. However, no effective initiative has been visible so far. As a result, the erosion is becoming increasingly severe instead of being contained.

Locals said that Char Bagdohra Government Primary School and the surrounding settlements have been at risk of Teesta erosion for a long time. As timely measures were not taken, the school has now come dangerously close to the river. If the erosion is not stopped quickly, not only could the school be lost, but the education of hundreds of students could also be disrupted, while a vast area of settlements could be put at risk.
Abu Taleb, an affected resident, said, “Sufficient geobags must be placed immediately to protect the school. Erosion cannot be stopped with assurances alone. If effective measures are not taken, the homes, croplands and settlements of the Char Bagdohra area could also be swallowed by the river along with the school.”
Gangachara Upazila Executive Officer Jesmin Akter said, “We have learned that Bagdohra Char Government Primary School is at risk of Teesta River erosion. The Water Development Board authorities have been informed to take necessary measures in this regard.”

Meanwhile, concern among local residents is increasing as river erosion continues. The residents have demanded immediate and effective preventive measures, rather than assurances, to protect the school, homesteads, croplands and settlements.