Sajadul Islam, Ulipur (Kurigram)
The water level of Teesta River at Ulipur in the border district of Kurigram has risen due to heavy rains and downstream flow. Along with the rising water, there is panic among the people living along the river.
In the last two days, about 20-25 houses, 50-60 Bighas of crop land and plants have been lost in the riverbed due to the erosion of the Teesta. Schools, mosques, madrasas and establishments are under threat due to rising water in the area. Visiting Pashchim Bajra Ghat and Kasimbazar area it was seen that Char Bajra Govt Primary School, Bajra Pashchim Para Jame Mosque, Pashchim Bajra Puratan Hat and Bajra Purbo Para Jame Mosque are faced with the threat of destruction.
Abdul Bari, Mozammel Haque, Rezaul Karim and Golam Rabbani, all residents of Bajra Ghat area said, that the way the river is eroding, it does not seem that the mosque and primary school will survive this time.
Due to the efforts of local residents, large trees and tree branches have been thrown into the river to prevent the rage of the currents and to protect the Paschimpara Jame Mosque. If the mosque and the school are demolished, the existence of the society will be lost and the path of light for local boys and girls will be closed.
On the other hand, visiting Gunaigachha Union it was seen that nut fields of local nut farmers have been submerged under water. As a result, many farmers are taking their nuts home even though they are not fully grown yet.
Ariful Islam, an engineer at the Kurigram Water Development Board, said the Teesta water level had risen due to heavy rains and downstream flow. Meetings have been held with the higher authorities in this regard and steps will be taken to prevent the eruption within next week, he said.
