Teesta River surpasses danger level as all barrage gates opened

The water level of the Teesta River has risen above the danger mark following heavy rainfall and upstream hill runoff, prompting authorities to open all 44 gates of the Dalia Teesta Barrage as flood concerns intensify across low-lying areas in northern Bangladesh.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the river reached 52.16 metres at the Dalia Teesta Barrage monitoring station in Hatibandha, Lalmonirhat, at 3:00 pm on Tuesday--one centimetre above the official danger level. Officials said the river had remained close to the threshold since June 20, but persistent rainfall in upstream catchment areas and a surge of hill waters significantly increased the flow, necessitating the opening of all barrage gates to facilitate downstream discharge.

The rising water level has heightened the risk of flooding in several low-lying unions of Dimla Upazila in Nilphamari, including Paschim Chhatnai, Purba Chhatnai, Khagakharibari, Tepakharibari, Gayabari, Khalisha Chapani, and Jhuna Gachh Chapani. Local authorities have advised residents in vulnerable riverine communities to remain vigilant, warning that further increases in water levels could inundate homes, rural roads, and agricultural land. Although large-scale crop losses are considered unlikely at this stage, concerns remain over homesteads, livestock, vegetable fields, and fish ponds situated along the riverbanks.

The BWDB's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has projected that the Teesta's water level may continue to rise over the next 72 hours, potentially causing minor flooding in adjacent low-lying areas. Executive Engineer Amitabh Chowdhury of the Dalia BWDB said continuous monitoring was underway in flood-prone locations, while local administrations have issued precautionary alerts and advised residents to relocate to safer, elevated ground if conditions deteriorate further.