The Atrai River dam on the Indian side collapsed once again on Tuesday morning due to rising water pressure, just four months after its initial breach. The failure has raised alarm in both India and Bangladesh, especially as the river re-enters Bangladeshi territory, threatening communities downstream.
Constructed last year at a cost of approximately Tk 30 crore, the dam was intended to manage flooding, which India blamed on a rubber dam installed by Bangladesh. However, after sustaining damage in February 2025 and undergoing partial repairs, the structure failed again following recent heavy rains.
The breach near Jarosore has raised concerns among villagers and officials in Bangladesh’s Naogaon and Rajshahi regions, where rising river levels are being closely monitored. Experts warn that sudden surges could submerge villages, destroy crops, and damage infrastructure on both sides of the border.
“This is not just India’s problem—the river directly affects our people and ecosystems,” said an official from Bangladesh’s Water Development Board.
In India, the dam collapse has ignited political controversy. BJP MP and central minister Sukanta Majumdar visited the site and alleged corruption in the dam’s construction, claiming substandard materials were used. He called for a high-level investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds.
Ashok Mitra, chairman of the Balurghat Municipality, dismissed the accusations, calling the collapse a natural disaster and accusing the BJP of deflecting from its own failures in other public projects.
As monsoon season looms, riverside residents remain in limbo. Despite urgent calls for repair and assurances, no rehabilitation or compensation plan has been announced, deepening public frustration and fear of impending floods.
