Photo : TDM
In a heart-wrenching tale of struggle and destruction, the Teesta River in Lalmonirhat continues to be both a source of livelihood and devastation for the communities residing beside its banks.
Azizul Haque (62), a local of Kalmati Dighaltari area in Khuniagach Union of Sadar Upazila, shares his harrowing experience of a life lived on the edge.
"I was born beside the banks of Teesta River and saw it destroying my houses many times," laments Azizul.
"Recently, the river once again broke my house, making me homeless one more time. The fields are underwater, and I, along with my wife and three sons, had to take shelter in front of a school yard," he adds with a heavy heart.
Locals have come to believe that "Teesta" means curse in the northern region as the river leaves millions of people destitute each year, causing the loss of thousands of crores worth of wealth in the basin.
After the third round of floods, both the Teesta and Dharla rivers breached at various places, exacerbating the plight of the affected communities.
In Rajpur Union of Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, about 35 families lost their homes within just one week. Additionally, severe erosion has taken place in the Kalamathi Dighaltari area of
Khuniyagach Union, leaving the broken families uncertain about their future.
The much-awaited Teesta Master Plan, which could potentially lessen their suffering, remains stuck in the pipeline, leaving the affected population grappling with despair and uncertainty.
Quddus Ali, a local from Kalamathi Dighaltari area, has fallen victim to erosion numerous times, stating that Teesta has destroyed his house 15 to 16 times in the last two decades, making life incredibly challenging.
Kanti Roy (55), another local, mourns the loss of once fertile land, saying, "All the land that was in the area was dry. We have to go to the streets; there is no other way. We are relying on food from the government. This Teesta is making us a beggar."
Shafiqul Islam Kanu, president of Lalmonirhat Save the Teesta, Save the River Struggle Council, voices his concern about the lifeline of 2 crore people depending on the Teesta basin. He says that every year, thousands of crores of takas are lost in the Teesta basin, urging the government to implement the long-awaited Teesta Master Plan to protect the affected population.
In a glimmer of hope, it is reported that Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit Rangpur on a one-day visit on July 30. Locals are hopeful that their dream of relief and protection from the wrath of Teesta will finally come true.
TDM/SD
