Flood Fears Along India-Bangladesh Border: Embankment Construction Sparks Concerns

Agartala (The Uttam Hindu) : There has been some sourness in the relations between India and Bangladesh since the change of power in Bangladesh (formation of interim government). Now another dispute has emerged on the border, where Bangladesh is building another embankment near the Muhuri river in South Tripura. This construction has increased the fear of floods in the Indian cities adjoining the border.

According to the Times of India report, this embankment being built on the Muhuri river is about one and a half kilometer long and 20 feet high. Belonia CPM MLA Dipankar Sen has raised this issue and demanded immediate intervention of the Union Home Ministry in this matter. Sen said that under the Indira-Mujib agreement, no country is allowed to do any kind of construction within 150 yards of the border. He alleged that despite this agreement, this embankment is being built at a distance of only 50 yards from the border and at some places only 10 yards. He also said that due to this agreement, many projects of India were also stopped after Bangladesh's objection in the areas of South Tripura.

Sources in the Chief Minister's Office said that they are waiting for a detailed report on the matter. Meanwhile, SP South Tripura said, "This matter has come to our notice and we are investigating it. At present, there is no immediate problem." At least 500 families living in towns located near the Muhuri river near the India-Bangladesh border are in grave fear of flooding during the monsoon due to the construction of this embankment. This embankment blocks the natural flow of river water, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, especially Belonia.

Bangladesh has been witnessing tensions in relations with India ever since Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister and the formation of an interim government. Questions are also being raised about the safety of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh during the tenure of Mohammad Yunus. Earlier this week, a man named Bhabesh Chandra Roy was first kidnapped and then beaten to death in Biral Upazila of Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. This incident has become another reason for tension between the two countries. Bhabesh Chandra Roy was the vice-president of the Biral unit of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and was highly respected in the local Hindu community.