Water level in Teesta near danger level, all 44 barrage gates kept open
Lalmonirhat Correspondent
The water level of the Teesta River is rising once again due to upstream flooding and continuous rainfall, raising fresh concerns about possible flooding in riverside areas.
At 9:00 PM on Monday (June 23), the river's water level at the Dalia Point in Nilphamari was flowing just 10 centimeters below the danger mark.
According to officials from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) at Dalia, all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage have been kept open to manage the increasing water pressure. Earlier, on Saturday, the river had also flowed only 5 centimeters below the danger level.
Water gauge reader Nurul Islam said that the river remained stable throughout the afternoon, but water levels began rising sharply after evening. By 6:00 PM, the water level had increased by 22 centimeters, and by 9:00 PM it had risen an additional 7 centimeters, bringing the total increase to 29 centimeters within a few hours.
Meanwhile, although the water level at India's upstream Domohoni Point remains below the danger mark, it is flowing above the danger level at Mekhliganj Point. Fearing further deterioration of the situation, the Water Development Board has issued an orange alert at Dalia Point and advised residents living along the riverbanks to remain cautious.
As the Teesta's water level continues to rise, floodwaters have started entering char areas and low-lying agricultural lands once again. Local residents fear that if the water level rises further, several low-lying unions in Dimla and Jaldhaka upazilas could be inundated.
Residents said that while conditions remained normal until the afternoon, the rapid rise in water level after sunset has created anxiety among local communities. Farmers, in particular, are worried as recent flooding has already caused significant damage to croplands.
BWDB Executive Engineer Amitabh Chowdhury said that the Teesta's water level may continue to rise if rainfall persists in the upstream regions. He urged all concerned authorities and residents to remain alert and prepared to deal with any potential flood situation.
