Bangladesh embankment sparks flood fears in South Tripura villages

Agartala, April 20: Residents along the northern bank of the Muhuri River in Tripura are bracing for what they fear could become a man-made disaster.

The cause: an embankment being rapidly constructed by Bangladesh, alarmingly close to the international border.

The embankment, reportedly 15 to 20 feet high and stretching over a kilometre, is being built within 10 to 50 yards of Indian territory in some places — a potential violation of long-standing international norms prohibiting permanent structures within 150 yards of border pillars. The construction, lacking any visible drainage outlets, has sparked panic in villages like Netaji Subhash Chandra Nagar and Ishan Chandra Nagar, where over 500 families now fear their homes could be swallowed by floodwaters.

As bulldozers and excavators work around the clock on the Bangladesh side, concerns are growing not only for the villages but also for Bilonia town. This key urban centre could also be at risk if water begins to accumulate on the Indian side.

What’s making matters worse, locals say, is the lack of communication and clarity. Despite repeated appeals, residents claim that no clear response has come from either district officials or the central government.

This is not an isolated incident. Just weeks ago, similar fears erupted in Kailashahar, Unakoti district, when Bangladesh began raising another embankment along a border stretch, again with no drainage in place. Tripura, nearly surrounded by Bangladesh with an 857-kilometre border, is increasingly finding itself on edge — not because of natural calamities alone, but due to what locals are calling “avoidable threats.”

The villagers’ demands are straightforward: either dismantle the embankment or ensure adequate drainage is provided to prevent flooding on the Indian side. As the monsoon sets in, time is running out.

These back-to-back incidents from Bangladesh that surround Tripura from three sides with a total of 857 Km border, suggest a growing pattern that demands immediate diplomatic and administrative attention.

Residents across the affected regions have made an urgent appeal to the authorities, emphasising that only swift and firm action can save their homes, lands, and livelihoods from the looming threat of water-induced devastation.

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