PHULBARI, KURIGRAM, June 20: Continuous heavy rainfall and an upstream influx have caused water level in rivers across Phulbari Upazila of Kurigram to rise rapidly, inundating low-lying areas and raising fears of extensive crop damage.
Vast stretches of farmland have already gone under water, leaving farmers worried about losses to jute, Aman paddy seedbeds, vegetables and other seasonal crops.
According to local sources, persistent rainfall over the past several days, coupled with water flowing down from upstream, has caused the water levels of the Dharla, Baromasia and Nilkamal rivers to rise, with floodwaters beginning to enter low-lying areas.
During a visit to several riverside areas on Thursday afternoon, this correspondent found the water levels of the three rivers continuing to increase. Locals fear that more areas could be inundated if the situation persists.
Jute farmers Yunus Ali, Samchul Haque and Chaidul Islam of Paschim Phulmati said each had cultivated between one and one-and-a-half bighas of jute land along the Baromasia River. They said the early-season heavy rain and upstream flow had left them deeply concerned.
They said their jute fields had remained under waist-deep water for the past five to six days, increasing the risk of crop damage. Prolonged water-logging could significantly reduce yields and cause heavy financial losses, they added.
Many other jute fields in the area are also submerged, with water ranging from knee to waist level, fuelling anxiety among farmers.
Upazila Assistant Agriculture Officer Firoz Mia said regular rainfall during the monsoon had caused knee- to waist-deep water-logging in jute fields along the Baromasia and other rivers. Field-level officials are advising farmers on measures to protect their crops, and the support will continue, he said.
Upazila Project Implementation Officer Siraj Doulla said the administration is closely monitoring river water levels and has taken necessary preparations to deal with any potential disaster. Relevant departments have also been kept on alert, he added.
