Continuous rainfall over the past week, combined with upstream water flow, has caused the Teesta River to swell, triggering fresh erosion along its banks. As a result, branch rivers and canals connected to the Teesta have overflowed, washing away roads in several char (riverine island) areas.
The disruption of communication has left residents in severe distress. Boats, bamboo rafts, or makeshift bridges are now the only means of travel between chars.
Areas including Tarapur, Belka, Haripur, Chhoydapur, Sreepur, and Kapasia unions are among the worst affected. Every monsoon, the rising Teesta brings suffering to char dwellers-destroying homes, roads, and croplands through erosion.
Erosion has already begun in several parts of Kapasia and Haripur unions. Strong currents have damaged and washed away many rural roads.
Local resident Alam Mia said that the road in front of his house has collapsed due to rising water levels, making movement impossible. Temporary bamboo bridges are now being used as alternatives.
Union Parishad member Rafiqul Islam stated that each year locals repair roads and build temporary crossings with personal funds, but no permanent solution has been implemented.
Haripur Union Chairman Md. Mozaharul Islam emphasized that a lasting solution to river erosion is urgently needed, otherwise the suffering of char residents will continue indefinitely.
Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Mashiur Rahman said that the local Member of Parliament recently visited the affected areas and supervised geo-bag placement efforts. However, a permanent solution requires a large-scale government project.
