The 'Right Bank Guide Bund,' considered the lifeline of the Teesta River in Nilphamari's Dimla, is currently facing an existential crisis. Due to years of neglect and the aggressive grip of illegal encroachments by a section of unscrupulous individuals, the embankment has become fragile. Authorities from the Administration and the Water Development Board (WDB) fear a catastrophic flood across the northern region if the embankment is not cleared and repaired before the upcoming monsoon. Built in 1993, this approximately 20-kilometer-long defense embankment is now in a dilapidated state. On-site inspections revealed over a hundred illegal temporary and permanent structures built on and along both sides of the dam. The soil is loosening due to haystacks and cattle waste, while the massive structure is being hollowed out by rat holes. Experts warn that even a slight increase in water pressure could cause this defensive wall to collapse like a house of cards at any moment.
Considering the severity of the situation, a team led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Imranuzzaman and Executive Engineer of Dalia Water Development Board, Amitabh Chowdhury, inspected the embankment area last Wednesday afternoon (April 29). Following the inspection, they issued a stern warning against the illegal occupants. The administration has announced the following measures:
A three-day public announcement (miking) campaign will be conducted, urging occupants to vacate the area. Red flags will be hoisted to demarcate the boundaries of the government land. If the structures are not removed within the stipulated time, an eviction drive will be carried out via mobile courts in coordination with the district administration.
Amitabh Chowdhury, Executive Engineer of Dalia WDB, stated that a letter has already been sent to the concerned ministry requesting an allocation of Taka 86 lakh for urgent repairs. However, he emphasized, "Sustainable renovation work cannot begin until the embankment is completely cleared of illegal occupations. If the embankment breaches, it will submerge not only Nilphamari but vast areas of Northern Bangladesh. Critical infrastructures, including four vital BGB camps protecting the border (Barnir Ghat, Thanar Hat, Kaliganj, and the newly built Jharsingwar camp), numerous educational institutions, and religious prayer halls, will be at risk. Millions of people living along the Teesta banks are now passing days in fear of losing their homes. Local conscious citizens have demanded that the administration ensure the eviction and renovation work is not limited to paperwork but is executed effectively. Otherwise, the entire region may have to pay a heavy price for this negligence under the wrath of nature.
