Severe Teesta Erosion Ravages Lakshmitaari

Despite more than a month having passed, no effective measures have been taken to prevent erosion along the Teesta River, causing the situation to worsen in several areas.
The erosion has become particularly severe in Joyram Ojha village of Laxmiteri Union under the upazila, where no effective measures have yet been taken to check the erosion. Many homes, agricultural land and cropland have already been washed away by the river.
Residents who have lost their homes and farmland are in distress, while many others are spending sleepless nights fearing further erosion. Locals fear that more people will lose their homes and belongings unless permanent and planned measures are taken urgently to stop the erosion.
A visit to various Teesta riverbank areas in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur found that erosion has intensified at several points. In Joyram Ojha Charishal village of Ward No. 8 under Laxmiteri Union No. 5, the situation has become particularly serious. Agricultural land, homesteads and other structures are disappearing into the river every day, leaving riverside residents deeply concerned.
Locals alleged that although river erosion has continued in the area for a month, no effective measures have been taken to prevent it. Attempts to contact officials of the Water Development Board concerned have also reportedly received no response.
Several reports on the erosion in the area have already been published in Daily Inqilab and other newspapers. However, locals said the authorities have yet to take any visible action. As the erosion has continued for more than a month, large areas of agricultural land have already been lost and the process is still ongoing. They warned that the situation could deteriorate further if immediate measures are not taken.
Abdullah Al Hadi, chairman of Laxmiteri Union Parishad, said river erosion had been continuing in the area for a long time. Although attempts had been made to contact Water Development Board officials to seek urgent measures, they could not be reached by phone.
He said that despite several reports being published on the erosion, neither the executive engineer nor any senior official of the Water Development Board had visited the affected area.
Mr. Hadi further said that if the erosion continues, many more homes and agricultural lands in Joyram Ojha Charishal village could be lost to the river. He demanded immediate and effective measures to prevent further erosion.
Meanwhile, marginal and small-scale farmers have suffered severe losses after losing agricultural and cropland. Families affected by the erosion are facing financial hardship and living in extremely difficult conditions. As no measures have been taken to prevent the erosion, many families are trying to move their homes and valuable belongings to safer places.
Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jesmin Akter said she had visited the erosion-affected areas and that dry food had already been distributed among affected families. She added that those who have recently been affected would also be provided assistance soon.