A new embankment by Bangladesh near the South Tripura border has sparked flooding fears among locals in four Panchayats. Over 500 families fear water-logging and monsoon floods, prompting demands for urgent government intervention. The construction allegedly violates border agreements and lacks proper drainage.
Residents of four Panchayats in South Tripura district are alarmed over a new embankment being constructed by Bangladesh authorities along the international border. The embankment, located near the Zero Point in Ballamukha area of North Belonia, is reportedly nearing completion and has sparked serious concerns among over 500 families in the Bharat Chandra Nagar block.
The affected Gram Panchayats—Netaji Subhash Chandra Nagar, Ishan Chandra Nagar, and parts of Belonia town—are situated on the northern side of the Muhuri river. Locals fear that the ongoing construction, which reportedly lacks any proper drainage system, could lead to massive flooding and severe water-logging during the upcoming monsoon season.
Villagers claim that the embankment violates the border agreement between India and Bangladesh. More worrying is the absence of any outlet in the structure to allow the natural flow of river water, which could cause the water to accumulate on the Indian side during heavy rains.
“The construction is almost finished, and yet there’s no sign of a drainage passage. If this continues, we’ll be underwater this monsoon,” said a concerned resident from Ishan Chandra Nagar.
A Border Security Force (BSF) officer stationed at the location confirmed that the matter had been discussed during a flag meeting with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), but no resolution was reached. “We have already sent a report to our higher authorities,” the officer added.
This is not the first time such an issue has arisen. A similar embankment was constructed by Bangladesh in the past near Kailashahar sub-division, causing similar fears and tension among residents.
The local population is now urging the South Tripura district administration and the Union Government to intervene immediately to resolve the issue before the monsoon arrives. With the monsoon season fast approaching, timely diplomatic and administrative actions are being sought to prevent a potential humanitarian crisis.
