Durgapur, August 14 (V7N) — Prolonged rainfall has led to the submergence of more than 500 bighas of cropland, including large areas of Aman paddy fields, in several areas of Durgapur upazila in Rajshahi. Local residents and farmers blame unplanned and illegal pond excavation for blocking natural water channels, which has worsened the waterlogging crisis.
 
According to residents, areas such as Debipur, Boherampur, Singa, Parila, Teliba, Kimsat Bogura, and Shalghoria have been worst affected. In Debipur alone, about 300 bighas of Aman fields and the playground of Debipur BM School and College are underwater. The waterlogging problem has persisted for seven years without effective intervention.
 
The college authorities allege that influential locals have dug ponds across water discharge channels in Dahar Beel, obstructing the natural drainage system. “From July to December, water remains stagnant on the college grounds. Around 250 students are facing disruption in classes and co-curricular activities due to the flooded field,” said Abdus Salam, Principal of Debipur BM School and College.
 
During a field visit, vast agricultural lands were found submerged under stagnant rainwater, with farmers unable to cultivate since 2018. Local journalist and resident Babar Mahmud said, “Three villages share one large beel, which is now completely underwater. Farmers planted Aman paddy on about 200–250 bighas here, but the water can’t drain due to blocked canals caused by haphazard pond digging.”
 
Teabila resident Amirul Islam added, “We’ve been facing this for years. Waterlogging turns our roads into rivers, and there’s no response from the authorities.”
 
When contacted, Upazila Agriculture Officer Sahara Sharmin Laboni admitted that several Aman fields were waterlogged due to days of rain. “If the water recedes quickly, the damage to crops will be minimal. We are still assessing the full extent of the submerged farmland,” she said.
 
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabrina Sharmin acknowledged the issue, stating, “Waterlogging in school and college premises can disrupt education. We will speak with the concerned authorities and take steps as needed. We’re also coordinating with agriculture officials to mitigate damage to Aman crops.”
 
Farmers and residents are urging local authorities to take immediate steps to restore drainage paths and prevent further pond excavations that disrupt the area’s natural water flow.
 
END/MRA/SMA/