A sudden tidal surge in the Ichamati River has inundated almost 3,000 hectares of standing crops in five unions of Sharsha upazila in Jessore.
Owing to the faulty construction and lack of maintenance of the three sluice-gates in the upazila, upstream water from India has managed to enter through the Khalshi and Rudrapur canals, said an official of the local Water Development Board, on condition of anonymity.
Farmers complain that around 3,000 hectares of crops in Putkhali, Goga, Ulashi, Bagamchara and Kaybas unions are now underwater due to the faulty sluice-gates in the Rudrapur and Khalshi canals connected to Ichamati.
Farmer Azizul Islam said the construction of fully functioning automatic gates with pumps in Rudrapur and Khalshi canals would be a permanent solution to the forced flood which will allow farmers to bring home harvest all year round.
Sharsha Upazila Agriculture Officer Soutam Kumar Sheel said: “Various crops on 20,131 hectares were planted in five unions this season. But 2,960 hectares of paddy, jute and vegetables have been submerged in the upstream waters of India. The worst affected is Putkhali Union in Benapole, where 400 hectares of crops have been submerged.”
Sharsha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Pulak Kumar Mandal said: “I am aware that Indian waters have entered through Rudrapur and Khalshi canals, damaging crops. This problem with the Ichamati River is a cross-border issue. However, I am sure the Water Development Board can come up with a permanent solution.
