Agartala, January 18: Authorities in Unakoti district of northern Tripura have expressed serious concerns over the Bangladesh government’s unlawfully raising of embankments hight adjacent to the zero point of the international border at Devi Pur in Rangauti Gram Panchayat.
Dilip Kumar Chakma, District Magistrate of Unakoti, who inspected the site on Friday afternoon, warned that these constructions could lead to devastating floods in Kailashahar town during the upcoming monsoon if immediate action is not taken.
Accompanied by Additional District Magistrate Argha Saha, SDM and other officials, DM Chakma visited the border area near the 1849-number pillar at Devi Pur.
The team was alarmed by the proximity and scale of the embankment, which is reportedly being constructed by Bangladesh in Moulvibazar district’s Alinagar area
The construction is entirely illegal and violates international norms as Indian authorities were not informed and which is against the spirit of the Indira-Mujib Treaty that doesnot allow any permanent construction on 150 yards on both sides of the border from the zero line.
Chakma said that the embankment, planned to stretch much long however only one kilometers which is visible is already complete.
Some sections even feature paved roads and tall concrete walls, with ongoing efforts to strengthen them further by blacktopping the structures.
Chakma added that no prior consultation was held with Indian authorities regarding the construction.
He emphasized the urgent need for India to repair or reconstruct its own embankment, located approximately 350 meters from the zero point, which has significantly weakened over time.
The DM also pointed out the absence of recent meetings between water or flood control commissions of the two nations to discuss such critical issues.
Chakma suggested that this matter, given its international implications, should be addressed at higher diplomatic levels.
The issue was earlier raised in the recent Winter Session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly by Kailashahar MLA Birajit Sinha, who urged Chief Minister Manik Saha to intervene. Responding to the concern, the Chief Minister assured the Assembly of immediate investigations through local authorities and discussions with the central government to address the matter with Bangladesh.
