Tripura Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary Kiran Gitte is set to visit several border villages in the Belonia subdivision today, following rising concerns among residents about a newly constructed embankment by Bangladesh along the Muhuri River.
The embankment, located in Kalikapur of Bangladesh’s Feni district, has been built to a height of approximately 8 to 9 feet. While intended to prevent floodwaters from entering Bangladeshi territory, Indian villagers fear that this structure could exacerbate flooding on their side during the monsoon season.
Residents of Uttar Belonia, Ballamukh, and Ishan Chandranagar have expressed apprehension that the embankment might obstruct natural water flow, leading to potential submersion of low-lying areas. Local MLA Dipankar Sen highlighted that villagers are advocating for the construction of a canal from Ballamukh to Kalikapur via Ishan Chandranagar to facilitate water passage during heavy rains.
The embankment’s proximity to the international border—reportedly as close as 10 yards in some areas—has raised additional concerns about adherence to bilateral agreements. Officials from the Border Security Force (BSF) and local administration are expected to accompany Secretary Gitte to assess the situation firsthand.
This development follows a similar incident earlier this year in Tripura’s Unakoti district, where an embankment constructed by Bangladesh near the Manu River prompted fears of flooding in Kailashahar and surrounding villages.
The Tripura government is closely monitoring the situation and may seek intervention from the central government to address the potential risks posed by the embankment.
