Lalmonirhat, Kurigram: Teesta erosion worsens

The Teesta river has continued eroding homesteads and arable lands at 12 places in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts, after water level rose following heavy rains.

At least 50 homesteads and about 150 bighas of arable lands have already been devoured by the river in the last two days, while around 200 more homesteads and about 1,000 bighas of arable lands are under serious threat.

Marjina Begum, 70, a resident of Kalmati village under Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, lost her homestead on five decimal lands to the river on Tuesday noon, and has since then been living under the open sky.

"I don't know how I will move on," she said.

Amjad Hossain, 67, of the same village also lost his homestead and two bighas of arable land to erosion on Tuesday morning, and is now facing a similar plight.

"Teesta has left me destitute,' he said.

Executive Engineer of WDB Kurigram Abdullah Al Mamun said they have been dumping sand-filled geo bags at vulnerable places to check erosion. Due to a rise in Teesta water level, the erosion has turned severe, he added.

Mashiar Rahman, project implementation officer in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, said he visited the erosion-hit areas and prepared a list of affected families, who will be given support from the government.