50 Metres of Teesta Cross Dam Washed Away in Kurigram

Around 50 metres of the Burirhat cross dam in Kurigram has been washed away, raising fears that six villages could face flooding if the structure gives way.

The erosion began at about 7 a.m. after cracks appeared in the road crossing the dam. Strong currents then stripped soil and sand from beneath the structure, accelerating erosion on both its northern and southern sides.

Residents said roughly 20,000 people in Bardarga, Burirhat, Ramhari, Chatura, Kalirmela and Dangrarhat could be affected. Hundreds of homes, acres of cropland and at least five local markets are also at risk, they said.

Locals alleged that they had seen signs of erosion and subsidence during the dry season but that effective repairs were not carried out. Majibur Rahman, a 65-year-old farmer from Burirhat, said the river current had been strong since Monday and that residents had already warned authorities about the danger.

Rakibul Hasan, executive engineer of the Kurigram Water Development Board, said officials visited after receiving the news and began dumping geo-bags as an immediate measure. “We hope to bring the erosion under control soon,” he said.

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We hope to bring the erosion under control soon.