MADHYANAGAR, SUNAMGANJ, Apr 4: Continuous rainfall has triggered severe water-logging across the haor wetlands of Sunamganj, submerging vast stretches of Boro paddy fields and leaving farmers in despair.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 1,189 hectares (ha) of land in 12 upazilas have already gone under water. Farmers, however, claim the actual damage is far greater, with thousands more hectares affected.
In Rongchi Village of Midnagar Upazila, farmer Anwar Mia reported that his 25 care (about 7 acres) of land is now waist-deep in water. "I cultivated the land with borrowed money. If the crop is lost, how will I feed my family? Even fodder for cattle is at risk," he lamented. He urged authorities to drain water from the haor within days to save what remains of the crop.
Similar scenes were observed in Bainchapra haor, where lush green fields now lie submerged. Locals estimate that at least 100 hectares of paddy from four to five villages have already been destroyed. Farmers have been working collectively with pumps to drain water, but their efforts remain inadequate.
Farmer Badol Sarkar of Chamardani Village explained the financial burden: "It costs Tk 5,000-7,000 to cultivate one bigha. Now, like thousands of others, I face ruin. If water is not removed, hundreds of hectares will be lost."
Attempts by farmers to cut embankments for water release have led to confrontations with local administration. To prevent clashes, district officials have held meetings with farmers and representatives, and extra vigilance has been imposed at several embankments.
Former Shantiganj Upazila Chairman and BNP leader Faruk Ahmed warned that farmers face a double crisis: "Cutting embankments may drain water but could also invite disaster. Future embankment planning must be reconsidered."
Reports of submerged crops have come from Sunamganj Sadar, Dharmapasha, Bishwambharpur, Tahirpur, Jamalganj, Shantiganj, Dirai, and Shalla upazilas. In Kharchar haor, 200 acres are under water, while Angaruli haor has lost 50 acres. Dirai's Boram and Badalia haors are also affected, with sluice gates closed to prevent river water from flowing back into the wetlands.
Shalla Union Chairman Sattar Mia said 150 ha in Chapta, Juaria, and Kushial dair haors are already submerged. He blamed "unplanned and unnecessary embankments" for worsening the crisis.
Obaidul Haque Milon, General Secretary of Haor and River Protection Movement, claimed that 30 per cent of the district's Boro crop is already underwater. "If the crop remains submerged for another week, farmers will lose everything. The administration is failing to act," he said.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Elias Mia acknowledged the crisis, noting that 70-100 millimetres of rainfall in recent days has caused unusual water-logging. "We build embankments to block external water, but this year's rainfall has created unprecedented pressure. Farmers are anxious because their food security is at stake," he said.
He added that committees have been formed in each upazila to assess the situation. "We have instructed farmers not to cut embankments on their own. Controlled drainage will be carried out to prevent further disaster."
