Rajshahi: Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has initiated efforts to promote the use of canal water for irrigation as a strategy to reduce the heavy reliance on underground water resources in the Barind area, known for its water scarcity challenges. The project focuses on re-excavating old canals and ponds to conserve surface water from rivers such as the Padma, aiming to expand irrigation and lessen the strain on groundwater resources.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the primary objective of BMDA is to decrease dependency on underground water by re-excavating existing water bodies to store and utilize surface water from nearby rivers. This approach has been gaining momentum, especially with the recent visit of Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian to various project sites in the Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts. During his visit, Dr. Mian observed the progress and engaged with farmers benefiting from the initiative.
Currently, the “Extension of Irrigation in Barind Area through Conservation of Water in Canal – second Phase” project is underway, with a focus on expanding irrigation by conserving and utilizing river water effectively. The initiative aims to irrigate 3,490 hectares, boost surface water usage, and mitigate climate change effects through extensive tree planting. It also seeks to enhance livelihoods by increasing crop and fish production and generating employment opportunities.
Project Director Nazirul Islam informed BSS that the project involves re-excavating a 38.25-kilometer canal, one pond, and two beels, alongside constructing 13 submerged weirs and installing four pontoons in rivers. The project, with a budget of Taka 249.40 crore, also includes repairing two pontoons. As part of the project, 26 low lift pumps will be installed to lift water from rivers, which will then be conserved in canals through a 72.70-kilometer network of HDPE pipelines.
Another significant project, titled “Supply of Padma River’s Water to Barind Area for Extension of Irrigation by Double Lifting System (EIDL),” is being implemented with an estimated cost of around Taka 548.05 crore. This project targets the utilization of Padma River water to irrigate agricultural land in the Barind region.
EIDL Project Director Shibir Ahmed mentioned that the project will supply an average of 120 cusecs of water daily to the canals from the rivers through high-density polyethylene pipelines. This effort aims to transform 10,250 hectares of single crop areas into triple crop areas by 2027, thus significantly increasing annual crop production. The scheme is designed to expand the current irrigated areas through the use of surface water, thereby reducing groundwater pressure.
Moreover, the initiative will provide training to 600 farmers on modern agricultural practices, irrigation infrastructure, and the balanced use of ground and surface water. These developments are expected to alleviate the acute water crisis in the Barind region, especially in light of the current heat wave and the alarming drop in underground water levels.