Rajshahi, Nov 01 (V7N) — Severe negligence by contractor firm Zillur & Co. under the Rajshahi Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has left hundreds of local farmers in crisis after heavy rainfall caused massive flooding in agricultural lands across the Godagari upazila.

On Friday night, continuous rainfall led to the inundation of nearly 400 bighas of farmland in the Sahabdipur area’s Panchgachi Beel. Local farmers and residents alleged that the flooding occurred due to the contractor’s careless actions, as the company had filled up a key drainage bridge meant for water discharge from the area.

According to local sources, the bridge was supposed to channel excess water into a nearby river. However, Zillur & Co. reportedly blocked the passage with soil and construction materials without prior notice or setting up any alternative drainage system. As a result, when heavy rain hit the area, the water could not drain out, submerging vast stretches of farmland under several feet of water.

Farmers said they repeatedly requested the contractor to reopen the drainage route, but their pleas were ignored. Instead, when they protested, company representatives allegedly attacked several farmers. Multiple people were reported injured in the incident.

One affected farmer said, “We begged them to open the bridge so the water could flow out, but they did nothing. Now our crops are destroyed, and we are left with huge losses. When we protested, they even assaulted us.”

Locals have demanded immediate action from the authorities to restore proper water drainage and to ensure compensation for the farmers who suffered crop losses. They also urged that strict legal action be taken against Zillur & Co. for negligence and assault.

On Saturday morning, Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Faisal visited the site to assess the situation. He assured that the administration would take necessary steps after a full investigation into the matter.

Local residents say that without prompt drainage measures, more farmlands may be at risk if rainfall continues in the coming days.

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