The Teesta River has reached alarming levels, causing severe erosion and threatening the livelihoods of residents in Laltong and Chamakdangi villages. These two communities, located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, are grappling with the consequences of heavy monsoon rains that have led to significant flooding and land loss.
Main Points
Current Situation in Laltong and Chamakdangi
The Teesta River, swollen from relentless rainfall, has begun to engulf large sections of its banks. Approximately 1,600 residents in Laltong and Chamakdangi are facing an imminent threat as the river inches closer to their homes. Reports indicate that 36 families in Laltong have already lost their homes due to severe erosion, while residents of Chamakdangi are experiencing sleepless nights fearing similar outcomes.
In Chamakdangi, about 50% of a protective spur designed to divert river flow has been washed away in just two weeks. Local resident Champay Mukhia expressed the community’s fears: “Now, we are spending sleepless nights as there is fear that the river will flood the village any moment.
Similarly, Gele Sherpa from Laltong remarked, “If the water level increases further, it will enter our village. We are keeping our fingers crossed.
Government Response
Local authorities have begun assessing the situation. Members of the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) visited the affected areas alongside local panchayat representatives. Gautam Goswami from SJDA stated that temporary measures are being implemented to prevent water from entering these villages.
However, many residents feel that more needs to be done. State Minister for Irrigation and Waterways Sabina Yeasmin has also visited affected areas to evaluate damage and discuss potential solutions with local leaders. She acknowledged the urgency of relocating families to safer locations due to ongoing erosion threats.
Historical Context
Residents have lived in these areas since the 1970s but have faced recurrent threats from river erosion. Indra Bahadur Chhetri, an elder from Chamakdangi, recounted similar challenges faced by the village back in 1998 when many homes were lost. The current situation echoes past experiences, raising concerns about environmental degradation and inadequate government responses.
Experts attribute this erosion partly to heavy silt deposits on the Teesta’s riverbed and ongoing climate change effects that exacerbate flooding and erosion risks across northeastern India.
Climate Change Implications
The Teesta River is not just a local issue; it reflects broader environmental challenges. Climate change has led to unpredictable weather patterns in this region, resulting in extreme rainfall events that contribute to flooding and soil erosion. These changes pose significant risks not only to local communities but also to ecological stability in the area.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
The immediate impact on families is dire. Many residents are beginning to move their belongings to safer locations as they anticipate further encroachment by the river. The loss of agricultural land threatens their primary source of income, which relies heavily on farming and poultry.
Local representatives have been actively engaging with villagers to address their plight. Promises have been made by officials like MLA Khageshwar Roy to seek alternative land for displaced families. However, as weather conditions remain unpredictable, many residents are left anxious about their future.
