Sharp fall in Padma water level hampers irrigation in Shariatpur

SHARIATPUR, Mar 16 (UNB) :The water level of the river Padma in Shariatpur has fallen sharply, to its lowest on record, hampering irrigation during the peak boro season. Locals said that massive sand dunes and chars have emerged on the beds of the river, turning it into a number of pretty, tapering lanes. An area covering miles on the riverbed is turning into desert which will drastically affect the environment of Shariatpur. The recurrent erosion of the river and the expansion of sand everywhere beside the river is responsible for the environmental change. People living beside the river Padma said that during the last three months there had been an abnormal fall in the water level of the river Padma though it was thought that due to sufficient rain last year the water level in the river Padma would not fall very fast. They are now apprehending that within a month or two there would be little water in the Padma. The environmentalists, however, apprehend that the sharp fall in the water level of the river would bring in a catastrophe for navigation, fisheries, agriculture and forestry. The abnormal fall in water level of the Padma has been attributed to the unilateral withdrawal of water by India through the Farakka Barrage in the upstream of Padma Irrigation Barrage at Naria Upazila in the district. Abdul Hannan, Executive Engineer, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in Shariatpur, said the water level of the river Padma started to fall from last September. Irrigation project of the district will have to face severe problems for this.