Md. Mafiz Uddin Sarker, Rangpur

Heavy rains and heavy water flows from North Sikkim, India continue to rise in water levels of major rivers in Rangpur region. Meanwhile, the water of Teesta River is crossing the danger level at Dalia and Kaunia points. The water of other rivers is rising. The grasslands and lowlands of the Teesta basin are submerging.

Rabiul Islam, Executive Engineer of Rangpur Water Development Board, said that the water level of Teesta at Dalia Point is increasing due to the upstream flow and the rains of the last few days. 44 gates of the barrage were opened last Thursday to keep the situation normal. However, the current is flowing over the danger line at Kaunia Point in Rangpur district from dawn on Wednesday. It has flooded the lower areas along the banks of rivers. Apart from this, within the next 48 hours, a short-term flood situation may occur in the lower areas of Rangpur, said the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center of the Water Development Board.

Meanwhile, with rising water, collapse has started in several areas of Teesta basin in Kaunia, Pirgacha and Gangachra upazilas of the district. Many of the displaced families are evacuating because the Water Development Board did not take any preventive measures. Rural roads and various crops and vegetable fields of the area have been submerged by water entering the houses of several grasslands. Many day laborer families are living in two days.

According to the control room of the town, the water in all the rivers of Rangpur district is rising. Till 12 noon on Thursday, water was flowing 20 cm above the danger level at Kaunia Point of Teesta. On the other hand, at Dalia Point of Teesta Barrage, water flow was flowing 17 cm above the danger level at the same time. Most of the paddy fields are under water in Shivdev Panial's Ghat area of Chaola Union of Pirgacha Upazila. Zafar Ali, a farmer of Char of Gabura in the upazila, said that the almonds were submerged in the river water after cultivating almonds on about 7 acres of land. No one came to inquire. Farmer Mukul Mia cultivates almonds on about 2 acres of land. Half of that nut was washed away by the stream of water. Mojiron Nesha, a resident of Gadai village in Balapara union of Kaunia upazila, said that the river bank area has been damaged due to the rains of the last few days. Several areas along the banks of the Teesta have been swept away by the river in the past two weeks, along with houses and structures. Several hundreds of residences, schools and mosques in three nearby villages including Gadai are under threat.

Anshar Ali, Chairman of Balapara Union Parishad of Kaunia Upazila, said that due to the increase in Teesta water, there is a fear of suffering among the people along the river banks and grazing areas. The arable lands along the banks of the river were submerged and the growing crops including nuts and vegetables were damaged. Livestock and people are in danger due to rising water.

Pirgacha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nazmul Haque Sumon said, we are constantly keeping an eye on the flood through the Water Development Board. If the situation is about to go out of control, action will be taken accordingly. If any farmer is affected, government support will be provided.

Kaunia upazila executive officer Mahidul Haque said that all kinds of advance preparations are being taken by the government to ensure that no one is affected by the upstream flood. Also, I have asked the local public representatives to constantly monitor the situation of the riverside people. In case of any damage, they will be assisted by the government. Gangachra Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nahid Tamanna said that the residents living in the river's grazing area have been urged to keep cattle and other items in high places.

Rabiul Islam, Executive Engineer of Rangpur Water Development Board, said that the water level in the Teesta at Dalia and Kaunia points has started to rise due to the upstream flood and the rainfall for the past few days. All the gates of Dalia Barrage have been kept open to keep the situation normal. Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur Mohammad Mobashwer Hasan said that the upazila administration has been prepared at the field level to deal with floods. They have taken all possible preparations. People living in low-lying areas and grazing along rivers have been advised to stay safe.

Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Zakir Hossain said that the government has taken all kinds of advance preparations for the flood, along with the administration, the local people's representatives are constantly monitoring the situation on the riverside.