The water level of the Teesta River has risen following continuous rainfall and upstream mountain runoff from India, triggering fresh concerns over riverbank erosion in the northern region of the country.
Although the river remains below the official danger level, erosion has damaged a section of the Teesta Bridge protection embankment near Mohipur in Gangachara Upazila of Rangpur. Local residents said around 40 feet of riverbank has been washed away near Shankardah Village, located about half a kilometer from the bridge.
Residents and local representatives urged authorities to take immediate protective measures, including the placement of geo bags, to prevent further erosion. They also rejected reports by some media outlets claiming that a 70-foot-wide crater had formed, describing the reports as exaggerated.
An inspection of the site on Sunday found that the same area suffered severe erosion last year, when nearly 100 feet of land disappeared into the river. Locals warned that the situation could worsen if water levels continue to rise.
Mosharraf Hossain, a resident of Shankardah village, alleged that authorities failed to take effective preventive measures after last year's erosion. He claimed that timely intervention with geotextile bags could have reduced the current damage.
Former Rangpur Press Club General Secretary Sajjad Hossain Bappi said the area has been vulnerable to erosion for years and called for urgent government action to safeguard the embankment and the Teesta Bridge.
Lakshmitari Union Chairman Abdul Hadi said around 70 feet of riverbank had been eroded in recent days but clarified that no 70-foot-wide hole had formed. He warned that the bridge could face risks if river levels continue to increase and no repair work is undertaken.
According to the Water Development Board control room, the Teesta's water level at Dalia Barrage stood at 51.74 meters at 3:00pm on Sunday, 26 centimeters below the danger level. At Kaunia Point in Rangpur, the river was flowing 44 centimeters below the danger mark at noon.
Water Development Board Executive Engineer Rabiul Islam said the river remains well below danger level, and the bridge protection embankment is not under immediate threat. However,
