Teesta River erosion turns dangerous

Erosion in the Teesta River due to heavy rain and water from upstream has put five villages in Pirgachha upazila of the district. As no step has yet been taken to tackle the erosion, people in the area are in grave fear.

During a visit to the erosion-hit areas, it was found that Dakkhin Gabura Govt Primary School is in danger. The school is in such a situation that it may be devoured anytime. It was disappeared due to river erosion few years back. Later, the school was reconstructed on the new site. There are around 300 students in the school.

But most of the students have stopped going school fearing the erosion. Akram Hossain, headmaster of the school, said if the erosion isn't resisted, the school may disappear in the river anytime.

Meanwhile, a two-storied building of Purbo Sibdeb Char Govt Primary School under Chhawla union of the upazila was devoured in 2017. Since then, students have been attending classes in a tin-shed set up at a bazar near the school. The tin-shed is also in danger due to river erosion.

Mehedi Hasan, executive engineer of Rangpur Water Development Board, said there is no allotment to prevent river erosion at this moment. The higher authorities have been informed about the situation. If allotment is granted, work will start to stop erosion.

---Robiul Alam Biplob, Pirgachha, Rangpur