The water level of the Teesta River has risen above the danger mark at the Dalia Barrage point following fresh upstream inflows, prompting fears of flooding in low-lying areas downstream.
Although the river's water level had declined slightly over the past few days, it started rising again on Thursday. At 6 pm, the water level at the Dalia point of the Teesta Barrage, the country's largest irrigation project, was just 1 centimetre below the danger level. By 9 pm, however, it had crossed the danger mark and was flowing 3 centimetres above it.
According to data recorded at 9 pm, the river's water level at the Dalia point stood at 52.18 metres against the danger level of 52.15 metres.
The rising water level has renewed concerns among residents of char areas and other low-lying regions, who have already been alerted about the possibility of flooding.
Local people said they had begun to feel relieved as the river receded slightly over the past few days, but Thursday night's rise above the danger level has once again heightened fears of inundation.
Nurul Islam, in-charge of the Dalia Barrage point, said the Teesta's water level was fluctuating depending on the volume of upstream inflow.
He said the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) is monitoring the situation round the clock and has advised people living in vulnerable riverside areas to remain alert.
The BWDB warned that the river's water level could rise further if heavy rainfall continues upstream, adding that necessary preparations have been taken to deal with any flood situation.
