Border villages fear waterlogging as Bangladesh’s dam blocks drainage

BY TC News Desk

Agartala, 18^th May 2025:   Residents of villages near Bilonia town on the north bank of the Muhuri River are facing increasing distress over waterlogging even before the monsoon season. According to locals, the crisis stems from a one-kilometer-long dam allegedly constructed by Bangladesh in violation of international border agreements. The dam, reportedly built at a height of 15 to 20 feet, has blocked natural drainage channels, causing severe flooding in surrounding areas.

Last night, just two hours of continuous rain submerged several villages, including North Bilonia and Ballamukha in the Sukanta Nagar panchayat. “We never saw water levels rise this fast before,” said a resident of Netaji Subhash Chandra Nagar. “The blocked drainage has affected more than five hundred families, leaving many stranded in their homes.”

Locals claim that previous drainage systems were disrupted during the dam’s construction, exacerbating the flooding. “According to international rules, construction must be at least 150 yards away from the border pillar,” said another resident. “But this dam stands as close as 50 yards in some places and barely 10 yards in others, violating the norms.”

Repeated pleas have been made to authorities at multiple levels. “We have informed the South Tripura district administration, the state government and even the central government several times. But no concrete steps have been taken,” said a villager.

The flooding has already destroyed vast acres of agricultural land, submerging ponds and threatening livelihoods. With the monsoon looming, residents fear the situation will worsen drastically. “If nothing is done soon, this could lead to a major environmental and humanitarian disaster,” warned a local expert.

Villagers demand immediate intervention. Their requests include reopening the blocked drainage system on the Bangladesh side or constructing a new one near the IC Nagar camp on Indian territory. As of now, officials have yet to respond to the crisis, leaving the affected families in limbo.