Gaibandha farmers suffer as waterlogging leaves 900 bighas of farmland uncultivate

Photo: CNI

GAIBANDHA, Aug 18: Waterlogging caused by rainwater unable to drain has created severe problems for residents and farmers in Gaibandha, leaving around 900 bighas of farmland struggling to produce crops.

The waterlogging has affected the area from the Tin Gacher Tal locality of Gaibandha Municipality to Wards 3, 4 and 5. Part of the affected area also falls under Ballamjhar Union Parishad.

Until around two years ago, farmers in the area cultivated Aman and Boro rice, locally known as Irri, along with various other crops during different seasons. However, persistent waterlogging during the rainy season has changed the situation.

For the past two years, farmers have been unable to drain rainwater from their fields during the monsoon. As a result, they can cultivate only Boro rice during the dry season, causing significant economic hardship for local farmers.

The farmers said there were previously three bridges that allowed water to drain from the area. However, the mouths of those drainage channels have reportedly been blocked due to encroachment and the construction of houses and other structures. They said necessary measures to restore the drainage system would allow them to resume cultivating rice and other crops in both seasons.

Local resident Md Jahangir Mia said, “For a long time, even a little rain causes water from the bus terminal and other areas to accumulate in our locality. There were three bridges through which the water could drain, but the entrances to those bridges have been blocked. As a result, the water cannot flow out, creating severe waterlogging.”

Farmer Md Suman Mia said, “Since water cannot drain from my farmland during the rainy season, one crop cycle remains under water while another can be cultivated. As a result, I cannot grow crops during the other seasons and have to buy rice to survive.”

Another local resident, Obaidur Rahman, said, “No one listens to our suffering. We have informed various local leaders about the issue several times, but no action has been taken.”

Several attempts were made to contact officials responsible for the municipality by phone regarding measures to drain the rainwater and resolve the waterlogging, but their phones were found switched off.

Gaibandha Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sabuj Kumar Basak assured that he would visit the affected area and take necessary measures to address the problem.