Irrigation in Barind area hampered as power connection of 400 deep tube-wells snapped

RAJSHAHI, June 9: As electricity bill has remained arrear, Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS) has disconnected the electricity lines of 400 deep tube-wells in Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) area.
Following the conflict between BMDA and PBS, the farmers of these areas are facing setback.
Farmer Abul Kashem who owes a deep tube-well at Godagari area, said that he was preparing to cultivate Aush paddy but due to disconnection of electricity, the irrigation process couldn't be done.
Sazzad Hossain, a farmer of Kakonhat area, said that they are facing trouble in irrigating their lands. Besides, they are facing drinking water problem, he added.
While contacted, Executive Director of BMDA Abdur Razzak said, "We have paid all the electricity bills of PBS but they have issued Power Factor Charge which was not been paid yet. So, they disconnected the electricity."
"PBS asked us to install capacitor to every pump and BMDA has done it. But we don't know why they have fined us. Now both the institution should come forward to solve the problem of the farmers as ultimately they are being the victims," Abdur Razzak added.
General Manager of Rajshahi PBS SM Mozammel Haque said, "We disconnected the power supply to 400 electric pumps following the government order. Though farmers paid the bill, but the BMDA is not obeying the rules."
"BMDA claimed that they paid the bill but not the fine which is totally wrong. The bill and the fine must be paid once at a time but the BMDA is overlooking the rules which created problem for the farmers," he added.