SYLHET, Dec 10: Locals in Sunamganj district have raised concerns that at least 1,000 acres of land will remain uncultivated this season due to the delayed excavation of a large canal.
The project, which was approved by the Water Resources Ministry with a budget of Tk 16.6 million, has been hindered by the contractor's negligence, according to several farmers. Tensions are running high among residents of the region.
Agriculture is the primary livelihood for these communities, and they have been struggling for nearly a decade due to inadequate water drainage.
The water from the haor has been unable to flow into the Surma River because the Gazaria Canal has been blocked with silt over the years, a result of insufficient dredging.
To address this, the Water Development Board (WDB) allocated Tk 16.6 million for the excavation of a 1.5-kilometer stretch from the Gazaria regulator point to the lower portion of the haor.
A contractor was awarded the project last month, but as of now, no representatives from the contractor firm in Netrokona have visited the site.
Locals argue that in order to facilitate Boro farming, at least 3 feet of digging is needed, as the water recedes very slowly.
Without prompt action, many of the lands will be left barren. The delay in starting the excavation has made it difficult for farmers to begin their seasonal work. Some have warned that up to 2,000 acres of land could remain uncultivated if the situation is not resolved soon.
However, Mamun Hawlader, Executive Engineer of WDB in Sunamganj, assured that they had already urged the contractor to begin work immediately. "If they start the digging soon, everything should be fine. We are hopeful that the work will commence within a week," he said.
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