Manpower shortage hampers GK project

Kushtia, Apr 5: The normal function of Water Development Board in Kushtia is being hampered due to shortage of manpower. According to sources the GK irrigation project was launched in 1954 for smooth supply of water in greater Jessore and Kushtia district. The motive was to irrigate the arable land in the two districts in the greater interest of the farmers so that the farmers can cultivate their land to grow their crops. A total of 1 lakh 16 thousands hectares of land were covered under the project. The function of the project was smooth in the past. As there is a crisis of manpower now the project is not running in full swing. At least 49 'chashi clubs' were setup in the areas for the training for farmers to boost the crops under modern technology. There was a water management committee in the 7 upazillas to supply water smoothly for irrigation in different fields, and there were 749 samities under water management committee to supervise the function. The rehabilitation programme of the project was launched in 1994 at a cost of Tk about 2.12 billion. As a result the project came into a complete shape. However the farmers claim that they are not enjoying the benefit of the project. They said the service of Water Development Board is not within their reach. The locals urged the government to take immediate measures so that smooth cultivation can be run.