522 PICs start operation in Sunamganj

Our Correspondent

SYLHET, Feb 03: Common farmers in haor region in Sunamganj are still in trouble as a good number of project implementation committees (PICs) couldn't start works on the flood control and crop protection schemes yet due to delay in water recession from the haor areas.

However, the Water Development Board (WDB) officials informed on Saturday 522 out of 812 PICs have started their work in Sunamganj. The rests would begin in days.

Over Tk 1.0 billion had already been sanctioned for the crop protection schemes this year, the official informed adding another Tk 535 million was sanctioned for urgent repair of water regulators, canal digging and river dredging with a view to ease water recession.

After the last year's large scale irregularities, the Water Resources Ministry this year brought major changes in the project implementation process. Under the new arrangement, PIC formation was set to be completed by November 30 to start work were from December 15, 2017 and complete by February 28, 2018. However, the deadlines couldn't be followed as yet for reasons while WDB officials said although it is delayed still it is possible to finish things in time.

Standing Boro paddy were damaged by the devastating floods, caused by the excess rains and hilly onrush of waters from the upstream in Meghalaya and Assam last year. All it happened due to large scale irregularity in the crop protection embankment works by the WDB contractors in connivance with officials.

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