Teesta River Nears Danger Mark at Dalia; 44 Sluice Gates Opened as Flood Threat Grows

Published : Wednesday, 30 July, 2025 at 3:01 PM Count : 456

The Teesta River surged dangerously close to the danger level at the Dalia point in Dimla upazila following heavy rainfall and upstream water flow, prompting the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) to open all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage on Tuesday evening.

From 6pm Tuesday until 6am Wednesday, the river’s water level remained critically high, with officials confirming it rose above the danger level at one point, reaching 52.20 metres- 5 centimetres higher than the designated danger mark of 52.15 metres. By 9am Wednesday, the level had slightly receded to 8 centimetres below the threshold.

To mitigate flood risk and ease water pressure, BWDB opened all gates of the barrage, which spans the Teesta River near the Bangladesh-India border. “Due to heavy upstream rainfall, local rains, and hill runoff, water levels rose rapidly,” said Tahidul Islam, sub-assistant engineer of the Dalia division.

BWDB Executive Engineer Amitabh Chowdhury stated that the barrage gates will remain open as long as necessary. “Our teams are monitoring the situation closely. If upstream water levels stabilize, we expect the situation to improve by evening.”

The sharp rise in water has raised fears of flooding in several low-lying and riverine areas. An estimated 8,000 families in Dimla’s Purbo Chhatnai, Khagakharbari, Tepakharibari, Khalisha Chapani, Jhounagachh Chapani, and Gayabari unions—as well as parts of Jaldhaka upazila—are currently at risk.

Floodwaters have already inundated char villages downstream of the barrage in Lalmonirhat’s Hatibandha and Kaliganj upazilas. Locals report submerged homes, damaged crops, and disrupted transportation.

“People in char areas are living in constant fear,” said Rabiul Islam Shahin, chairman of Tepakharibari union. “Low-lying areas are already flooded, and water could enter homes at any time if the level rises further.”

Subash Chandra, secretary of the Purbo Chhatnai union parishad, warned of flood risk in villages like Jharshingshwor. “So far, we’re holding steady, but the situation could change fast,” he said.

According to local officials, part of the water surge is due to the sudden release of water from India’s Gajoldoba Barrage in West Bengal. There was no prior warning, which is a longstanding issue during the monsoon season.

BWDB engineers in Kurigram and Lalmonirhat districts confirmed that rivers such as the Teesta, Dharla, Dudhkumar, and Brahmaputra are rising. In the past 48 hours, over 330 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the region, intensifying the risk of flash floods.

Dimla Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imranuzzaman said local representatives have been instructed to closely monitor affected areas and report developments immediately.

Relief efforts are underway, with stockpiles of dry food, corrugated tin, and emergency shelters being prepared in vulnerable upazilas. “We’re taking every precaution to ensure the safety of residents,” said a Lalmonirhat district official.

The BWDB and local administration continue to monitor the river’s flow. If the upstream rainfall subsides, water levels are expected to gradually decrease. However, any further rainfall or water release from upstream could worsen the situation.

Authorities are urging people living in low-lying areas to stay alert and prepare for possible evacuation.

FP/Raj