Teesta nears danger level, raising flood concerns

The water level in the Teesta River has risen sharply following heavy rainfall and upstream inflows, approaching the danger level and increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas along the river.

Residents of char areas are growing increasingly anxious as water has already started inundating low-lying croplands on both banks of the river.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the Teesta’s water level at Dalia point was just 1 centimetre below the danger level at around 6:00 am on Wednesday.

With pressure mounting on the river, authorities have opened all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage, the country’s largest irrigation project, to regulate the flow.

The BWDB warned that the Teesta could cross the danger level within the next 24 hours if the current trend continues, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert.

SKS