IRRI-Boro on 2000 hectares affected in Parbatipur

Sources in Saidpur divisional office of Water Development Board (WDB) said there is no flow in the upstream of Dinajpur Canal because of poor flow in the main canal of the irrigation project. Withdrawal of water through a sluice gate at Chanderhat in the upstream is also responsible for this, they said.

Demanding water through the Dinajpur canal, about 5000 farmers from Sonapukur, Baghachhara, Tajnagar, Calksudam and Mondolpara villages in Parbatipur upazila of neighbouring Dinajpur district on Sunday held demonstrations and besieged Saidpur divisional office of Water Development Board (WDB), which is responsible for maintenance of the Dinajpur Canal.

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The agitating farmers lifted the siege when Nilphamari Additional District Magistrate Nitaipado Das went to the spot with police and assured them of water supply.

During the siege, Executive Engineer of Saidpur WDB told farmers that supply of water through Dinajpur Canal would resume within two days. But the canal remained dry till yesterday.

During a visit to the affected villages yesterday, this correspondent saw parched fields with IRRI-Boro plants turning yellowish in some areas due to lack of water.

Dry croplands in northern districts need more water for irrigation this year as there was no rain in the last five and a half months.

Some farmers said they will launch tougher agitation if water is not supplied within 2-3 days.