Atrai River dam on Indian side collapses

The Atrai River dam on Indian side collapsed once again on Tuesday morning, triggering panic among residents on the riverbank. 

The dam was built on the Atrai river in Balurghat of South Dinajpur district.

The sudden collapse has sparked widespread concern among residents along both sides of the border, particularly in Bangladesh, where the river continues its downstream course.According sources, continuous rainfall in the region has led to a rise in the water level of the river.

Locals report that the increasing water volume is putting additional pressure on the damaged dam. 

Residents fear that if the water level continues to rise, the damaged section may collapse completely.

The Atrai River, which originates in Bangladesh, briefly flows into India before re-entering Bangladeshi territory. The river's cross-border course means any disruption in flow or structural integrity can have ripple effects on both sides.

The controversial dam was constructed just last year at a cost of approximately Taka 30 crore, as part of India’s attempt to regulate flooding, which it blamed on a rubber dam installed by Bangladesh.

Following damage in February 2025 due to floodwaters, partial repair work was undertaken near Jarosore in India.