The closure dam on the bank of the Chhoto Feni River in Companiganj upazila was destroyed by high tides for the fourth time on Saturday, just two hours after it was adjusted.
Sandbags were placed to finish the adjustment but the structure still could not withstand the force of water.
There were three previous attempts to adjust both sides of the dam but to no avail.
In 2013, Tk49.48 crore was allocated for the project but the allocation was later increased to Tk150 crore as work could not be completed. The current allocation stands at Tk174 crore.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the construction on January 8, 2013, but work was suspected after two months and 14 days.
The project, once completed, will bring 80,000 hectares of arable land under irrigation facilities. This will boost harvest and will result in the annual production of an additional 2,46,113 tonnes of food estimated to be worth around Tk200 crore.
Noakhali Water Development Board Executive Engineer Imu Riazul Hasan said the project would largely contribute to the economic development of the area.
“The project area will get a facelift while the dam will resist intrusion of saline water into the 1.30 lakh hectares of land. Employment opportunities will also be created for the poor,” he added.
