Rajshahi, Jan 14 (V7N) — The dredging of the Narad River in Puthia Upazila, part of the Barendra Multipurpose Development Authority's irrigation project, has failed to serve its intended purpose, leaving thousands of hectares of farmland without adequate irrigation during the current drought season.

The Narad River was re-excavated in the 2015-16 financial year under the Canal Water Conservation and Irrigation Expansion Project, with a 35-kilometer stretch dredged from Muktarpur Balughat in Charghat Upazila to the Musakhan River via Puthia Upazila. The project, costing 4.32 crore taka, aimed to irrigate 1,650 hectares of agricultural land and to assist in draining excess water from low-lying areas during the monsoon. Solar-powered LLP tube wells were installed at 13 locations along the river to supply water for irrigation.

However, farmers say that the project has not delivered the expected benefits. Due to the lack of renovation and expansion of a culvert near the Charghat-Sarda traffic mode, water from the Padma River cannot be channeled into the dredged river. Consequently, the river has begun drying up in many places. At several points, locals have built dams for fish farming, further restricting the flow of water for irrigation.

Ahmed Ali Khalifa, a farmer from Khalifapara village, said, “Currently, there is no water in the tube wells installed with solar panels. About 100 hectares of farmland here cannot be cultivated. If water is not supplied soon, Boro rice cannot be grown.”

Ayub Ali Master of Kandra village added, “During the rainy season, drawing water through the tube wells is easy. But now, there is no water in the river. The authorities should urgently install deep tube wells in dry areas to support the farmers.”

Habibur Rahman from Zeker Mor warned that hundreds of hectares of crops are at risk this dry season due to insufficient irrigation.

Speaking on the issue, Hanif Sikder, Assistant Engineer of Puthia Barendra Multipurpose Development Authority, acknowledged the problem: “The agricultural cultivation of farmers in this region is not benefiting as expected. The irrigation project has not fully achieved its intended purpose.”

Farmers and locals have expressed concern over the slow implementation of corrective measures, stressing that immediate action is needed to ensure water supply and protect the livelihoods of the farming community.

END/SMA/AJ