Teesta river erosion is threatening more farmland in the Marichbari area near Domohoni in Jalpaiguri, forcing farmers to harvest semi-ripe paddy and vegetables early as they fear the river will swallow the remaining fields.
Residents said erosion has continued for nearly two years and that acres of agricultural land have already been lost. Farmers in the riverine char areas depend on cultivation for their livelihoods, but are now bringing in crops before they mature to avoid losing them to the advancing river.
The affected area was also reportedly impacted after a severe natural disaster in the Sikkim hills in 2023 changed the course of the Teesta. Two villages were destroyed by the river, while Marichbari near Domohoni came under erosion pressure. Residents said they had brought the situation to the administration’s attention last year, but claimed that no effective intervention followed.
The latest erosion has intensified concern among farmers over the loss of the remaining land. Local residents have sought urgent administrative assistance and demanded steps to prevent further damage. They have also called for a permanent embankment in the area.
Shyuli Kirtaniya, a local panchayat member, said that more farmland could be lost if a permanent embankment is not constructed quickly. She indicated that residents would again approach the administration over the issue.
Krishnendu Bhowmik, chief engineer of the north-eastern division of the irrigation department, acknowledged reports of erosion in some unprotected stretches along the Teesta. He said the affected locations were largely char land and that engineers would be sent to identify the sites.
According to Bhowmik, measures to resist the erosion would be taken after the locations are assessed. The statement does not specify the form, cost or timeline of the proposed intervention, leaving farmers dependent on the department’s site inspection and subsequent action.
The immediate impact is being felt by cultivators whose fields lie close to the river. Their early harvesting is a response to the risk of losing both standing crops and productive land, while the administration’s next step will depend on the engineering assessment of the vulnerable stretches.
