Teesta full of water again as flow nearly trebles overnight

FT ONLINE

The water flow of the Teesta has increased at Teesta barrage point in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat suddenly.

From Tuesday evening, the level of water in the river near Teesta Barrage area of Hatibandha upazila, started to rise, recording a rise of nearly 10cm in one day. The water level was recorded 50.05cm of Tuesday night and it was recorded 51.10 at Wednesday noon.

On Monday the level was recorded at 41.15cm.

The volume of water flow in the Teesta river at the barrage point has increased to 2,300 cusecs.

Sources of Bangladesh Water Development Board said that if the increase persists, the farmers will get irrigation facilities for 60,000 hectares of land.

The farmers started their cultivation excluding Rangpur and Dinajpur command area of barrage for lack of water in this year.

For increasing water level, several gates of the barrage have been opened. Now, water is entering in the char areas of Teesta.

The sudden increase of water level in Teesta river has brought smiles to the faces of farmers in the district.

At the same time, they are also worried that their pumpkin, onion, garlic fields might be damaged going under water.

Rafiqul Islam, executive engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board, said that the water flow of the river was 800-900 cusecs even one week ago. On Wednesday, it increased to 2300 cusecs, nearly trebling.

Heavy rainfall and opening of Gozoldoba barrage gate in Indian part are the reasons behind the increased water level, said the official.

Farmers will be benefitted in boro season for increasing water, he added.