United News of Bangladesh

For hundreds of farmers in the haor region of Sunamganj district, timely completion of embankments is crucial to protecting their Boro crop, the backbone of the local economy. But this year, uncertainty looms over Boro crop protection in haro areas of Sunamganj district as 134 Project Implementation Committees (PICs) in Dharmapasha and Madhyanagar upazilas have yet to receive the second installment of funds for embankment projects, despite the timeline for releasing the third installment approaching. The delay has stalled most of the 134 crop protection embankment projects across nine haors in the two upazilas, triggering frustration and anxiety among farmers who depend on the Boro harvest. Funding delays stall haor embankments, putting Sunamganj’s Boro harvest at risk A recent visit to at least 35 project sites revealed that while earthwork on the embankments is nearing completion, slope protection and compaction have not been properly carried out. In 30 of the 35 projects visited, no project representatives were found at the sites. A number of PIC presidents and member secretaries, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had to borrow money to continue the work due to delayed fund disbursement. Creditors are now pressuring them at project sites, prompting many committees to suspend work amid financial hardship. Local farmers expressed deep concern, alleging that despite repeated assurances by successive governments about prioritising farmers, implementation often falls short. They warned that negligence in embankment construction previously led to devastating Boro crop losses in 2017 and any recurrence would not be tolerated. According to upazila administration sources, the nine haors under the Sunamganj Water Development Board (WDB) include Chandra Sonar Thal, Gurma, Gurma extension, Ghoradoba, Rui Beel, Sonamoral, Kailani, Joydhona and Dhankunia. In Dharmapasha upazila, 93 projects have been approved with an allocation of Tk 20.17 crore, while in Madhyanagar, 41 projects received Tk 8.80 crore. Boro cultivation in Narail gains full momentum under sunny skies The first installment of funds was disbursed on January 20. Although the third installment was expected in early February, the second installment has yet to be released. As per guidelines, embankment work must begin by December 15 and be completed by February 28. Each project involves earthwork, slope protection, strengthening and grass plantation, with funds released in four phases. On average, around 70 percent of the earthwork has been completed in the two upazilas so far. However, without timely fund release, completing the remaining work within the stipulated deadline remains uncertain. Dharmapasha UNO Joni Roy and Madhyanagar UNO Ujjal Roy acknowledged that delays in the second installment have created financial strain for the PICs, affecting project implementation. They said the matter has been reported to the district committee for prompt resolution. Executive Engineer of the Sunamganj Water Development Board, Md Mamun Howlader, said letters have been sent to the Water Development Board and the Ministry of Water Resources seeking immediate fund release. “We are making every effort to ensure that the required funds are disbursed without further delay,” he said.