River bank erosion of Teesta and Dharla

The erosion along the banks of the Teesta and Dharla rivers, as reported in the media, is very alarming. This devastating erosion follows a severe flood in the region. While local people felt a sense of relief as the floodwaters receded, they could hardly imagine that further shocks awaited them. The subsequent soil erosion in the Teesta and Dharla river basin areas, particularly in Aditmari and Hatibandha upazilas, presents a severe and ongoing threat to them. Numerous homesteads have already been devoured by the rivers in recent days, forcing families to relocate multiple times and suffer significant distress and instability.
Incessant rains and onrush of upstream water from India that triggered flash floods in the region have left several thousand villagers in a precarious situation. The damage to crops, roads, and communication infrastructure further exacerbates the hardships faced by the affected communities.
Efforts by the Water Development Board to dump Geo bags at erosion-hit areas are a positive step, yet the scale of the problem demands a more robust response. It is crucial for the government and relevant authorities to prioritise long-term solutions to prevent further erosion and support the affected communities. Initiatives such as riverbank reinforcement, reforestation, and effective water management strategies must be implemented to mitigate the risk of future floods and soil erosion.

Aminul Islam
Student,
Rajshahi University