Netrokona, Apr 07 (V7N)– Despite protests and formal complaints lodged with the Chief Adviser, allegations of significant corruption continue to plague the construction of submersible dams intended to safeguard Boro crops in the haor-dominated district of Netrokona. Farmers claim that a substantial portion of the dam construction remains incomplete and riddled with irregularities, jeopardizing the livelihoods dependent on these vital crops.

"Despite human chains and memorandums submitted to the chief advisor against various irregularities in the construction of submersible dams to protect Boro crops in the Netrokona Haor-dominated district, corruption has not stopped," a local farmers' association spokesperson stated.

Farmers and residents living near the haor areas have demanded a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities in the renovation of 147 kilometers of submersible dams across 119 schemes, designed to protect approximately 41,000 hectares of Boro crops from early flooding. They claim that the dam construction project, overseen by the Water Development Board, has been marred by collusion between officials and those listed as Presidents of Project Implementation Committees (PICs).

"On the ground, it is seen that farmers and people living on the haor banks have demanded an investigation into various irregularities in the renovation of 147 kilometers of submersible dams of 119 schemes to protect 41 thousand hectares of Boro crops from early floods. Irregularities have emerged in the list of PICs' names at the beginning of the dam construction project in collusion with the officials in charge of the Water Development Board. There are also allegations of taking advance money from PICs," a local community leader reported.

Specifically, allegations include irregularities in the initial lists of PIC members, the unauthorized collection of advance funds from PICs, the construction of unplanned dams, the use of sand instead of proper soil in dam construction, the failure to plant protective grass on dam sides, and the non-completion of work according to the estimated material quantities. Farmers also allege that additional funds have been disbursed to PICs without the corresponding work being completed.

"191 dam renovation work is underway in Netrokona district. Among them, irregularities and looting have been committed in the construction of 121 dams in Khaliajuri Upazila, 23 in Madan Upazila, 27 in Mohanganj Upazila, 13 in Kalmakanda Upazila, and 2 in Atpara Upazila. Although the names of PICs were on the list, they were not found working on the project. Unplanned dams have been constructed. Sand has been given instead of soil in the dams. Grass has not been planted on the sides of the dams. Not a single work has been completed with soil equal to the size of the dam. Additional money has been given to the PICs according to the work estimate," a local investigative report indicated.

According to Water Development Board regulations, the irregularities allegedly began with the formation of PICs and the project lists. The dam construction was mandated to be finished by February 28th, but authorities have yet to complete the work, despite claims that the haor work is finished. Evidence of widespread corruption involving contractors, responsible officials, and PIC members has reportedly surfaced.

"According to the rules of the Water Development Board, irregularities have been committed at the beginning of the PIC and project list in the construction of crop protection dams in haors. The dam work was supposed to be completed by February 28th. Till now, the authorities have not been able to complete the dam work. However, they say that the work on the haor has been completed. Based on the information on the construction of crop protection dams, evidence of widespread irregularities and corruption by the contractor, the responsible officials and the PIC has emerged," a legal expert familiar with Water Development Board procedures commented.

Numerous PIC Presidents from various upazilas have been named in connection with the alleged irregularities.

"Drowning dam breech closing PIC President Abdul Haque Talukder in Tetulia Union of Mohanganj Upazila... including 7 PICs are working," a partial list provided by local sources indicated.

Farmers in Madan Upazila also report widespread corruption in every aspect of the dam work. They claim that officials from the District Water Development Board are not conducting on-site monitoring but are falsely claiming completion. PIC presidents reportedly halted work 15 days ago. Farmers fear that if the haors are flooded due to incomplete and substandard dams, it will lead to massive crop losses and a nationwide food crisis. The rising water levels in the Dhanu River further heighten these concerns.

"Besides, there are irregularities in every work of Madan Upazila of the district. A partial list of hundreds of corruptions in dam work has been highlighted. All the corruptions will be revealed if investigated. It was learned from the farmers that no one from the District Water Development Board office is sitting in the office and claiming that the work has been completed without monitoring on the ground. However, not a single dam has been constructed properly. It has been seen that the PIC presidents stopped the work 15 days ago. If the haors are submerged, disaster will befall the common people across the country. There will be a cry for food. There will be crop losses worth thousands of crores of taka in the haors. The water level of the Juwar in the Dhanu River has increased, and at any time, there may be incidents like water rising in the haors. If the remaining work is not completed quickly, a major accident may occur in the haors," a local farmer lamented.

In response to the alleged corruption, the District Public Rights Council submitted a memorandum to the Chief Advisor on March 9th, and the Netrokona District Haor Bachao Andolan Committee organized a human chain protest on March 1st. These groups are demanding that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launch an investigation into the dam construction and prosecute those found responsible.

"On March 9, the District Public Rights Council submitted a memorandum to the Chief Advisor through the Deputy Commissioner against corruption and irregularities in dam work. In addition, on March 1, a human chain was formed in front of the Netrokona Central Shahid Minar against corruption and irregularities at the initiative of the Netrokona District Haor Bachao Andolan Committee... The Haor people demand that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigate the dam construction work and take legal action against the culprits," a joint statement from the protesting organizations read.

The Executive Director of the District Water Development Board, Sarwar Jahan, stated that no funds can be misappropriated without work being done and that monitoring is in place. However, this assurance contradicts the widespread allegations from farmers and local communities.

"Regarding this, Sarwar Jahan, executive director of the District Water Development Board and member secretary of the District PIC Committee, said, 'No one can take a single taka without working. We are monitoring,'" Sarwar Jahan claimed.

The situation remains tense as farmers fear significant crop losses if the incomplete and allegedly substandard dams fail to protect their Boro crops from the approaching flood season.

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