The Teesta River in Gaibandha has been experiencing severe erosion. Homes and agricultural land are being eroded every day. In the past two weeks, more than a hundred families have lost their ancestral homes, houses, and agricultural land, including a government school, to the river. As the erosion continues, hundreds of people living along the riverbanks in the area are in fear.

It is known that houses and agricultural land in a 2-kilometer area of ​​Kapasia Union in Sundarganj Upazila of Gaibandha are being destroyed every day. In the past two weeks of destruction, more than a hundred families have lost their homes, land, and houses, including a government school. Many are spending their days under the open sky on the banks of the river.

Locals said that the 2-kilometer area from Lalchamar to Shingarjani in Kapasia Union of the Teesta River has suddenly taken on a terrifying appearance. Houses and agricultural land are being washed away by the river’s current every day. People on the banks of the river are losing their homes and cropland one after another and are becoming destitute.

Many families are moving their homes day and night and taking shelter in safe places. Many could not save their homes and belongings, which were washed away before their eyes. Due to lack of land, some are living in an inhumane way with their families under the open sky or on river embankments. This week, the Bhorer Pakhi Government Primary School in the area was washed away by erosion.

Hundreds of people living along the riverbanks in the area are in fear as the erosion continues. New houses and farmlands are being eroded every day. The area that once had human settlements, educational institutions, and mosques is now flooded with river water. If effective measures are not taken to prevent erosion, the entire village will disappear into the riverbed in a short time.

Sabuj Mia, who lost his house due to river erosion in the Bhorer Pakhi area, said that people have been losing their houses due to river erosion for more than a month, but the erosion is increasing because the Water Development Board has not taken any action. If the erosion continues like this, the village will be wiped out.

Gaibandha Water Development Board Executive Engineer Md. Shariful Islam said that efforts are being made to prevent erosion by placing geo bags in areas with infrastructure, including the Bhorer Pakhi area. Initiatives are being taken to identify other erosion-prone areas and take measures to prevent it.

River erosion has been reported in at least 50 areas of the Teesta, Brakshaputra and Karatoya rivers in the district, including the Bhorer Pakhi area of ​​the Teesta river. Thousands of people in these areas are at risk of erosion. However, the Water Development Board says it is unable to work due to insufficient budget.