RANGPUR, Aug 30: At least 300 families at different villages under Gangachara Upazila in the district were rendered homeless during last couple of weeks owing to serious erosion by the river Teesta.
The most affected villages are char Nohali, Boirati, Paikan Hajipara, Paschimpara, Pirshahebpara, Soudpara,Binrini Char, Purbo Mahipur etc. Hundreds of acres of crop lands including Aman paddy fields and vegetables, a good number of dwelling houses have been devoured by the river during last 14 days. A number of establishments including Paikan Akbaria Fazil Madrasah, Teesta protection embankment and local primary school are now on the verge extinction due to erosion. Fishes of Many ponds were also washed away by flood water. The affected people are now facing acute crisis of food, shelter and medical, locals said. A good number of affected people said that the erosion took a devastating turn devouring hundreds of houses during last few days.
"Erosion by the Teesta made me a pauper", said Solaiman Hossain (55) of Char Nohali village. "My homesteads were eroded few days ago. Now my family members have taken refuge in temporary shelters, "he added. The victims feared that Teesta erosion is continuing in the villages and it may engulf more areas soon. Many villagers are now leaving homesteads in fear of erosion, they added.
Erosion-hit people of Soudpara village said Teesta has devoured a vast tract of arable lands and dwelling houses during last few days. Mantu Mia (50), of the village said on Friday he had only 5 decimals of homesteads which was eroded by the ferocious Teesta two days before leaving him a destitute, he lamented.
Many other victims of the affected areas said Teesta devoured their everything, making them paupers. A number of erosion-hit people alleged that they are yet to get any relief items from neither the government nor any non government organisations. Many victims said the relief goods they received were not adequate.
Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur, Farid Ahmed, Upazila Nirbahi officer Touhidul Islam, local UP member Md. Mokarrom hossain visited the affected areas and distributed relief goods including rice and cash among the erosion-hit people.
Executive Engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Rangpur Mahbubur Rahman said BWDB started working to check erosion since the beginning of erosion in the areas. They are trying hard to save the Teesta dyke and check erosion by putting sand bags and Bamboo. But they are facing serious difficulties to control erosion completely on account of heavy current of Teesta, he added.
