In the tranquil town of Kailashahar, a brewing concern has emerged among the residents regarding the construction of an embankment on the Bangladesh side of the India-Bangladesh border. This issue was brought to light by Congress MLA Birajit Sinha during a recent session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, capturing the attention of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha.
In response, a team from the Unakoti district administration, led by District Magistrate D.K. Chakma, conducted an inspection on Friday at Devipur village in the Rangauti Gram Panchayat area of Kailashahar. The team focused on the construction activities near Pillar No. 1849, located at the zero point of the international boundary.
Following the inspection, District Magistrate Chakma addressed the media, revealing that the embankment is being constructed unlawfully and without prior consultation with Indian authorities. He disclosed that the embankment spans nearly 10 kilometers, with three kilometers already completed. The construction includes paved roads and high concrete walls, and the work is primarily being carried out at night, raising further concerns among the local population.
Chakma emphasized that while the embankment falls within Bangladesh’s Alinagar area under Moulvibazar district, it poses a significant threat to Kailashahar. He highlighted the weak condition of India’s existing embankment, located 350 meters from the zero point, and stressed the urgent need for its reconstruction to counteract potential risks posed by the new embankment on the Bangladesh side.
The District Magistrate urged higher authorities to take immediate action to reconstruct India’s embankment, making it taller and more robust than the one being constructed in Bangladesh. He also called for strict adherence to international guidelines to prevent cross-border disputes and environmental hazards.
During the last Assembly session, the Congress party warned that the unethical construction of the embankment could lead to the submergence of the entire Kailashahar during the upcoming monsoon season. Local villagers echoed these concerns, alleging that the Bangladesh government might be deliberately planning to flood Kailashahar through the construction of the embankment dangerously close to the border.
As the monsoon season approaches, timely action is deemed crucial to safeguarding Kailashahar from potential flooding. The inspection team on Friday included Additional DM Unakoti Argha Saha, Vice-Chairman of Gournagar Panchayat Samiti Md. Badruzzaman, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (in-charge) Matiranjan Debbarma.
The residents of Kailashahar now await the necessary measures to be taken by the authorities to address this pressing issue and ensure the safety and well-being of their community.
(With inputs from Debasish Datta)
