Sunamganj: Unplanned embankments and heavy rainfall have worsened waterlogging in Sunamganj’s haor basin, causing widespread damage to Boro paddy and triggering concern among farmers and experts over recurring agricultural losses in the region.
According to United News of Bangladesh, haor movement leader and farmer Professor Chittaranjan Talukdar stated that the current season reflects a recurring pattern of severe waterlogging, locally described as ‘kachaira’ years, which reappear periodically and devastate crops. He noted that unplanned embankments and blocked drainage channels have turned haors into ‘water pockets,’ exacerbating the situation.
Professor Talukdar alleged that annual embankment construction using huge amounts of soil has filled natural water bodies, canals, and rivers, severely disrupting drainage systems. He criticized the lack of long-term planning for haor management. Meanwhile, agricultural researcher Sajal Kanti Sarkar pointed to the use of hybrid and high-yielding rice varieties that delay harvesting, increasing vulnerability to early floods. He acknowledged that blocked drainage caused by embankments has worsened water retention in the region.
Water Development Board data shows that river levels in the Surma rose sharply this year compared to last year. Between April 27 and 30, rainfall and river water levels increased significantly, with heavy rainfall recorded across multiple haor-adjacent points, including 133mm at Laurerergarh, 76mm at Chatak, 137mm at Sunamganj, and 205mm at Dirai within 24 hours. In contrast, rainfall during the same period last year was minimal, allowing around 83 percent of paddy to be harvested by April 29. This year, only about 44.5 percent of paddy has been harvested, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension.
Officials estimate around 9,548 hectares of paddy have been submerged so far, but farmers and haor activists claim the actual damaged area is far higher, exceeding 60,000 hectares. In Jamalganj and Dirai upazilas’ Pagnar haor, farmers reported early flooding and disputes over embankment cutting, which even led to clashes before Eid-ul-Fitr. Large portions of both standing and harvested crops are now submerged.
Farmers described severe losses, with many saying they are unable to recover their investment. One farmer reported losing around Tk 5 lakh worth of paddy, adding that hopes of repaying loans have been shattered. Another farmer mentioned that even harvesting and drying areas are now underwater, making further collection impossible.
Haor Banchao Andolan General Secretary Bijn Sen Roy said unplanned embankments have worsened drainage and caused recurring flooding. He estimated crop losses at around Tk 1,000 crore, though government figures put it at about Tk 200 crore, which he said does not reflect reality.
Sunamganj Water Development Board Executive Engineer-2 Md Imdadul Haque noted that rainfall has recently decreased, and water levels showed slight improvement, but waterlogging remains in most haor areas. Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Md Omar Faruq said recent adverse weather delayed harvesting, leading to crop submergence, and warned that final losses are likely to increase. A detailed assessment is underway.