The water level in the Teesta River at Dalia Barrage point in Lalmonirhat has suddenly risen, submerging recently emerged shoals.
This has forced the Water Development Board to open four sluice gates of the barrage, leaving farmers concerned over possible damages of their crops on the shoals.
The flow of water at the barrage point started increasing after 4pm on Saturday.
It was recorded at 50.10 cm at 6pm which is about 4 cm above the normal winter level in the dry season.
The water flow increased at a time when locals earlier announced to observe a 48-hour sit-in protest on the riverbanks from February 17 to 18, demanding a fair distribution of water from the river also shared by India.
Farmers expressed their concern that crops like garlic, onions, sweet pumpkin, pulses, and other produce growing on the sandbars may get destroyed due to the flooding.
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Affected villagers suspect India is releasing water upstream. The allegation could not be confirmed.
Sahed Mia, a local resident, said, “We are planning a movement for the Teesta water, and just at that moment, India is releasing water. This is India's strategy, as they never release water during this season.”
Hadiul Islam, another resident, mentioned that the water started rising suddenly in the afternoon (Saturday). Various sandbars in the Teesta Barrage area are now being submerged.
Expressing concern, fisherman Sabur Ali said he has cultivated potatoes, garlic, onions, and cauliflower on three bighas of land on the sandbar. If India releases more water, his fields will be flooded.
Nurul Islam, water measurement operator at Dalia Water Development Board, said the water level was rising due to the release of water from India, and they are unable to predict how much more water will come.
In response, Asadul Habib Duloo, coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement and the district unit of BNP President, said they have heard about the increase in Teesta water.
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Despite the rising water, their 48-hour sit-in programme along the Teesta banks will be held on February 17-18, he added.