The water level of the Teesta river has increased due to torrential rains and the onrush of upstream water from India. As a result, all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened at Dalia point by the authorities concerned.

Panic has spread among people living near the river bank as the river water is flowing near the danger level.

According to the Water Development Board in Rangpur, 28.70cm water flow was recorded at Kaunia point at 6:00pm on Friday. The water flow at Dalia point of Teesta Barrage, the country`s largest irrigation project, was recorded at 51.30cm at 6:00am on Friday.

Chairman of Balapara union parishad under Kaunia upazila Ansar Ali said the water level in the Teesta River has been rising since Friday morning. Panic is prevailing among the inhabitants living on the river bank and char areas.

He further said people living on the river bank will be affected most if flood takes place here. Besides, the arable lands near the river bank will go under water, causing damage to peanut and vegetables.

Kaunia upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Mohidul Huq said the flood has not yet been forecast here. However, all preparations are afoot so that none is affected by flood.

Rangpur Water Development Board (WDB)`s executive engineer Rabiul Islam said water level in the Teesta River started rising at Dalia point since Thursday afternoon due to torrential rains over the last several days and onrush of upstream water from India.

All 44 gates of the barrage have been opened to keep the situation normal at Dalia point. However, the water level in Teesta started receding at Dalia point since Friday afternoon. But, the Teesta water was flowing near the danger level at downstream at Kaunia point in Rangpur district. So, situation at the river bank at downstream is being constantly monitored.