Despite clear instructions from higher authorities, concerns are growing over the increasing number of crop protection dam projects in the haor (wetland) areas of Sunamganj district.
Crop protection dams are built to protect crops from early floods and landslides. Haors are wetland ecosystems found in the north-eastern part of Bangladesh. Sunamganj district is famous for its numerous haors.
Recently, the Adviser to the Ministry of Environment and Climate, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and the Chairman of the district committee for crop protection dams, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Ilias Mia, visited the region and instructed local officials to avoid taking up unnecessary projects.
However, it appears that these directives are not being followed, with the number of approved projects continuing to rise.
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According to local government records, the number of approved crop protection dam projects in the haor region had ballooned to 675 by December 12, 2024, even though the initial plan was for 600 projects.
It is likely the number may increase even further, potentially reaching 700 projects.
This surge in projects comes despite previous statements by the authorities that only essential projects would be undertaken this year.
The Water Development Board has also sought an initial allocation of Tk 125 crore from the government for the renovation and repair of 534 kilometers of crop protection embankments across 53 haors in the current season.
The funds will be used to repair and renovate existing dams, as well as to address major breaches in the haor. The construction was set to begin on December 15 and is expected to be completed by December 28.
Local residents and environmental groups have expressed concerns that many of these projects are unnecessary and could harm the natural balance of the haor ecosystem.
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In particular, the Haor Bachao Andolan (Save the Haors Movement) has protested against the ongoing increase in projects.
The Haor Bachao Andolan held press conferences, rallies, and submitted memorandums, claiming that many of the dams are excessive and wasteful.
One of the key allegations is that funds are being misused by approving projects for existing dams that are either intact or only slightly damaged, but are allocated as new, full-scale projects.
It is also claimed that local political leaders and activists are using these projects as a way to access government funds, with some involved in bribery and corruption.
Despite these allegations, the Sunamganj Water Development Board insists that it is taking extra care this time to ensure the proper implementation of the projects.
Executive Engineer Mamun Hawlader said that there are strict instructions to avoid irregularities, and that the board is closely monitoring the process.
However, local leaders remain skeptical.
Senior members of the Haor Bachao Movement, including Jasim Uddin, have warned that the system remains vulnerable to manipulation.
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Jasim accused some officials of using various tactics to approve unnecessary projects and divert funds.
He also claimed that projects are being approved secretly, without transparency, which could lead to further corruption.
Talking to UNB, Advocate Shishir Monir, a Supreme Court lawyer, called for greater public oversight of the project approval process.
He suggested that the project list should be made public, and farmers should have a say in the decisions about the dams, through public hearings or social media platforms.
He argued that this would prevent unnecessary projects and ensure that government funds are used effectively, without harming the environment.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Ilias Mia said that the government is committed to reducing corruption in the implementation of the crop protection dam projects.
He said that monitoring committees have been formed across the district, and these committees will submit reports to ensure transparency and accountability.
The controversy surrounding the crop protection dam projects highlights the ongoing tension between development needs, environmental concerns, and the proper use of government funds.
While the authorities maintain that measures are in place to avoid mismanagement, local communities and environmentalists are adamant about the need to remain vigilant, demanding greater transparency and adherence to environmental guidelines.
There are 95 haors in Sunamganj district, spread across 10 of its 11 upazilas.