A dam construction project by Bangladesh near the Indian border in Bilonia raises concerns of severe flooding for nearby Indian villages, violating international border agreements.
Bangladesh Dam Threatens Indian Villages with Flooding
Residents of four panchayats in the Bharat Chandra Nagar block of Bilonia are expressing serious concerns about potential flooding due to a dam being constructed by Bangladesh.
The dam, located on the northern bank of the Muhuri River near Bilonia town, threatens to submerge several villages, including Netaji Subhash Chandra Nagar and Ishan Chandra Nagar. Over 500 families, comprising thousands of people, fear losing their homes and livelihoods. Bilonia town itself is also at risk.
Villagers report that Bangladesh is building a dam, ranging from 15 to 20 feet in height and spanning approximately one to one-and-a-half kilometers, in an area very close to the Indian border. In some places, the dam is as close as 50 yards, and in other areas, only 10 yards from the border, effectively disregarding international border agreements. These agreements stipulate that any construction near the border must be at least 150 yards away from the boundary pillars. Crucially, the villagers claim the dam lacks proper drainage channels.
The dam construction has triggered strong reactions from residents in the affected Indian border areas. They are urgently appealing to the South Tripura district administration and the Indian government to intervene and take swift action. With the monsoon season already underway, the villagers are anxious and fear imminent flooding. Reports indicate that Bangladesh is using 10 to 12 dredgers to expedite the dam’s construction, working day and night.
The affected communities are demanding that Bangladesh either dismantle the dam or, at the very least, incorporate adequate drainage systems to prevent catastrophic flooding on the Indian side.
