Tista River Erosion Triggers Fear and Helplessness in Char Saulmari

As water levels in the Tista River begin to recede, severe riverbank erosion has broken out in Kaliganj Upazila of Lalmonirhat. Char Saulmari area under Votmari Union is experiencing intense erosion, sparking fresh panic and anxiety among residents living along the riverbanks.

Local youth Ripon Mia shared that following several days of rising water levels in the Tista, the water has now started to drop. With the receding waters, bank erosion has commenced in various spots, with Char Saulmari witnessing the most severe damage.

Arable land and homesteads along the riverbanks are now facing imminent threats. The persistent destruction has left riverbank communities in total disarray, with numerous families fearing the sudden loss of their property and homes. Locals alleged that despite facing devastation every year from Tista's erosion, no effective, permanent measures have been taken to curb the riverbank collapse.

Residents of Char Saulmari noted that while rising waters bring flood panics, receding waters trigger severe erosion fears. Living right by the river forces them to spend their days under constant risk. They warned that unless prompt steps are taken, vast areas of homesteads and agricultural land could be lost to the riverbed, calling for immediate action to protect critical infrastructure, croplands, and homes.

Meanwhile, panic remains widespread as the post-flood erosion continues to spread. Locals express deep concern that damages will escalate drastically if the current rate of erosion persists.

Commenting on the situation, Votmari Union Parishad Chairman Farhad Hossain Master stated that Char Saulmari suffers the heaviest losses from Tista erosion every year, causing widespread damage to homes and agricultural fields. He urged authorities to urgently implement the Tista Mega Plan to provide a permanent solution.