Teesta, Dharla continue to devour homesteads, cropland

Over 2500 people of Hatibandha and Lalmonirhat Sadar upazilas, hit by Teesta and Dharla erosion, have been living under the open sky for the last 17 days.

The victims are from Purbo Dawabari, Nohali, Dawbari and Sindurna of Hatibandha upazila; and Mogholhat, Badaitari, Sarkertari and Gokunda of Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila. They have taken shelter on roads and are facing shortage of food.

 "We have been living on the road under the open sky for the last 17 days as our homestead, croplands, orchards and bamboo clusters were eroded by the Teesta," said Shamsul Alam, 56, of Purbo Dawabari village. "

Erosion by the Teesta started the day after of Eid-ul-Azha, and is still continuing, he said, adding that at least 250 families at the village have been rendered homeless in the last 17 days.

"Our homestead and 10 bighas of land were devoured by the Teesta, making us homeless. Now we are living under the open sky," said Idris Ali, 50, of the same village.

Erosion affected Sirajul Islam, 48, of Mogholhat village, said he and five members of his family have been living under the open sky for the last 17 days as they were rendered homeless by the Dharla River erosion. "We are facing food crisis as we have lost everything, especially our croplands with standing aman paddy," he added.

Mashiur Rahman, president of the School Managing Committee at Dawabari village, said a primary school and a junior high school have already gone into the Teesta. Classes are being held at alternative places, he added.

Mahbubur Rahman, upazila nirbahi officer of Hatibandha, said the district and upazila administrations have been providing relief for the erosion-hit people in the affected areas. Steps will be taken soon to rehabilitate them, he added.