Govt to spend Tk914cr for 176 causeways in haor region

The Water Development Board has proposed constructing 176 causeways in the four haor districts to improve drainage, control flood, and ease naval transportation.

The proposal has an estimated budget of Tk914.62 crore.

The Ministry of Water Resources says there will be 121 causeways in Sunamganj, 11 in Habiganj, 25 in Netrokona, and 19 in Kishoreganj. In addition, there will be 17.6 km of connecting roads and other additional infrastructural developments.

According to the Haor Master Plan, there are 95 haors in Sunamganj, 14 each in Habiganj and Netrokona, and 97 in Kishoreganj.

Heavy rain, especially in monsoon, leads to flash floods in the haor region which destroys harvests, property, and leaves the region waterlogged for weeks, and sometimes months. As dams and embankments are costly, short-term endeavours, causeways are expected to act as a permanent infrastructure.

Furthermore, the causeways will help with drainage and irrigation.

Dr AKM Saiful Islam from the Institute of Water and Flood Management, said: “The causeways will help maintain balance in the water flow. It will help with the reproduction cycle of fishes and reduce risk of flash floods.”

Abu Bakar Siddique Bhuiyan, executive engineer with the Water Development Board, said the causeway will be temporarily closed during dry season and open during the monsoon to allow for free flow of water, fishes, and boats.

Bashir Ahmed Sarkar, deputy director of Agriculture Expansion Directorate, said: “The causeway has to be opened immediately after the crops have been harvested, unless the fish reproduction cycle will be badly affected.”