Teesta River washes away section of vital road in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, impacting thousands

A vital road connecting Dahagram union in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, has partially collapsed, leaving thousands of residents facing significant hardship. The Angorpota-Dahagram road, the sole major route to the union enclave surrounded by India, lost 10-12 meters of its structure to the powerful currents of the Teesta River. The river was flowing above its danger level when the collapse occurred.

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Since the road collapsed, we have been using a narrow alternative path on foot. No vehicles can pass through.

More than 4,000 people in at least six villages, Angorpota, Bhatiyatari, Ashrayan Para, Zero Line, Simantapara, and Islampara, are now struggling with disrupted transportation. Residents reported using narrow footpaths as vehicles can no longer pass. One villager recounted leaving his motorcycle behind and walking home after finding the road washed away upon his return.

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This road is our lifeline. If it is not repaired quickly, not only transportation but also local businesses and farming activities will suffer badly.

Local leaders expressed concern that the road's damage will severely affect not only daily commutes but also local businesses and farming activities if not repaired promptly. Officials from the Roads and Highways Department have visited the site. They stated that repair work cannot begin until the river water recedes to prevent further erosion. In the interim, a temporary bamboo footbridge is planned to facilitate pedestrian movement, with reconstruction to follow immediately after the water levels drop.

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River water is still flowing through the damaged section of the road, making repair work impossible at this stage. We are taking measures to prevent further erosion.