Rajshahi, July 13 (V7N) - In the wetlands of Rajshahi, a troubling trend is emerging—illegal land encroachment and the creation of ponds at night, resulting in the loss of valuable agricultural land. As these actions continue unchecked, farmland is being rapidly replaced by water bodies, which not only lead to the depletion of agricultural resources but also contribute to seasonal waterlogging that floods rice fields during the monsoon.

Farmers in the region have voiced concerns, pointing to the involvement of powerful political figures and influential individuals behind the illegal excavation of ponds. Despite administrative efforts and ongoing raids, the situation shows no signs of improvement.

In areas like the Noitika-Arifpur wetlands in Bagha, no work is carried out during the day, but as soon as night falls, excavators are deployed to dig new ponds. In the past two weeks alone, at least four new ponds have been excavated in this area. Local sources claim that nearly 70% of the land in these wetlands has already been converted into ponds.

Agricultural Collapse in Once-Fertile Wetlands

Local farmers recount how the once-thriving wetlands, which supported three crops per year—such as rice and jute—have now become barren due to waterlogging. The fields, once abundant with crops and cattle fodder, are now flooded, and there are no signs of recovery. The issue extends across several districts in Rajshahi, including Tanore, Bagmara, Paba, Mohanpur, Charghat, and Durgapur, with similar reports of illegal pond excavation.

In Tanore’s Hardah and Bagmara’s Nimai wetlands, locals have attempted legal action to stop the illegal excavation of ponds, but the activity continues unabated.

Lack of Enforcement and Government Response

Mahbub Siddique, an expert on rivers and wetlands in Rajshahi, expressed his concerns: “The encroachment of these wetlands for pond excavation is highly alarming. The authorities’ indifference is the primary reason for the failure to halt this practice.”

Shammi Akter, the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Bagha, confirmed that multiple raids had been carried out in the Noitika-Arifpur area. Despite efforts to confiscate the excavation machinery, the illegal pond digging persists. She stated that the authorities are preparing to take legal action against the perpetrators.

Growing Number of Ponds in the Region

According to the Department of Fisheries, there are currently 51,500 ponds in Rajshahi. Over the past decade, more than 20,000 new ponds have been dug. However, farmers suspect that the actual number is even higher, as illegal pond construction continues to evade official reporting.

One farmer, Mohammad Motahar from Bagha, shared his frustration: “In the past, we harvested two crops a year—rice and fodder. Now, nothing grows here. There’s no grass even to feed the cows.”

Call for Urgent Action to Protect Agriculture

Local farmers and development workers are urging the government to take strict administrative measures to halt the land grab and pond excavation activities. If these practices continue unchecked, they warn that Rajshahi’s agricultural system will face an irreversible crisis, putting both the economy and local food security in jeopardy.

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