RANGPUR, July 22: With the recession of flood water, erosion by the Teesta river has taken a devastating turn, devouring a large portion of the flood control dyke at Char Binbina village at Kolkond union under Gangachara upazila in the district.
According to sources, although flood water has begun receding, erosion by the river Teesta has become a cause of concern for hundreds of families living in different villages at Kolkond and Lakkhitari unions under the upazila.
Local sources said a vast tract of farmland and many vegetable fields have been engulfed by the river.
Sources said erosion by the river caused damage to the flood control embankment. Locals are voluntarily trying to protect the dyke from further collapse by putting bamboo and sandbags.
A part of the dyke also went into the river during last year's flood, but local people saved it from further collapse by putting sand bags in the breached portion, sources added.
Locals alleged that every year the same situation occurs as the Water Development Board (WDB) failed to take necessary steps in this regard.
Officials of Water Development Board (WDB) visited the affected area but are yet to take necessary steps in this regard, locals further alleged.
If immediate steps are not taken a vast tract of crop lands, houses, educational institutions and other establishments may go under the river, locals apprehended.
WDB official sources said higher authority has been informed of the matter. Necessary steps will soon be taken in this regard.
