United News of Bangladesh

Thousands of hectares of boro paddy in Sunamganj’s haor areas are under threat as severe waterlogging triggered by unusually heavy upstream rainfall continues to inundate croplands across the district. The situation has turned critical since the last week of March when excessive rainfall in upstream catchment areas caused rivers to swell and overflow, sending water rushing into the low-lying haors. Farmers are now locked in a dispute over how to manage the excess water. While those in the upper haors are pressing to cut embankments to ease waterlogging, downstream farmers are resisting the move, fearing their fields will be submerged. According to official data, at least 1,189 hectares of boro land have already gone under water. Sources at the Water Development Board (WDB) said 710 Project Implementation Committees (PICs) were formed this season across 53 haors to construct crop protection embankments. Although earthwork has been completed turfing is still underway in many areas. Rainfall data shows a sharp increase this year, with Sunamganj recording around 200 millimetres of rain in March compared to just 5 millimetres during the same period last year. “The excessive rainwater from upstream has overflowed rivers and entered haors from multiple points,” said a senior WDB official. An emergency meeting held by the district administration on March 31 was followed by field inspections to assess drainage requirements. Khulna division reports 56 suspected measles cases in 24 hours Authorities have so far cut embankments in at least 10 haors on a limited scale to release trapped water. However, tensions among farmers persist. “If farmers in the upper areas cut the dams, those downstream resist to protect their crops,” said Md Selim, a resident of Mohanpur village in Sunamganj Sadar upazila. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), boro has been cultivated on 223,511 hectares in more than 200 haors in the district this season. “If fully harvested, the crop could yield around 1.4 million tonnes of rice, with an estimated market value of Tk 5,050 crore,” said DAE Deputy Director Md Omar Faruk. “But farmers now fear significant losses due to waterlogging and the possibility of further heavy rainfall,” he said. Waterlogging has already affected several haors, including Mini Pagnar, Halir, Kailani, Chhayar, Putiyar, Dakuar, Joalbhanga and Kanlar. Local farmers complained that many natural drainage canals have been encroached upon or filled up over the years, worsening the situation. Chittaranjan Talukder, vice-president of Haor Banchao Andolan, said early and intense rainfall has overwhelmed the natural water bodies. “Rivers, canals and beels that usually act as reservoirs are already full and overflowing. Waterlogging is widespread, and farmers are struggling to cope,” he said. adding that proper dredging of rivers and wetlands could help mitigate the crisis. WDB Executive Engineer Mamun Howlader said emergency drainage   efforts are underway. “Rainfall in both Cherrapunji and Sunamganj has been significantly higher this year. Some haors are already being drained,” he said. Officials warned that the situation may worsen, with heavy rainfall forecast for April 6–7. “As the season progresses timely intervention is crucial to prevent large-scale crop losses,” said Omar Faruk. With uncertainty looming, haor farmers are now anxiously waiting for effective measures to save their standing crops.

To experience a unique outline of riverine life, visit Hakaluki Haor, the largest freshwater wetland of Bangladesh. This 44 sq-km swamp has covered Borolekha, Kulaura in the Moulvibazar district. The haor area also spreads through Fenchuganj, Golapganj, and Beanibazar in the Sylhet district. In the winter, Hakaluki Haor becomes the heaven of migratory birds. The same Haor takes the form of the sea in the rainy season. This captivating Haor attracts the local and international tourists round of the year. In this article, we have focused on some interesting features of this vast expanse of water. Let's know more about Hakaluki Haor Background to the naming of Hakaluki Haor Although no exact evidence has been found for the origin of "Hakaluki", there are a number of myths surrounding it. Many years ago, in fear of the army of Omar Manikya who was the king of Tripura, Hangor Singh, the cookie leader of Borolekha, hid in a vast area covered with jungle and mud. So over time, the name of the area became "Hangor Luki", which gradually evolved into "Hakaluki". Read Nikli Haor, Mithamoin-Astagram Road Trip: On the Way to Kishoreganj According to another legend, a king named "Aka" and his kingdom were completely buried due to an earthquake about two thousand years ago. Over time, this submerged lowland became known as "Akaluki" and later changed to "Hakaluki". At one time a tribe called "Hengkel" lived in the western part of Borolekha police station. This "Henkeluki" later bears the name Hakaluki. Another legend tells that once there were two tribes named “Kuki” and “Naga” who lived near Hakaluki Haor. In their tribal language, this mesmerizing Haor is called "Hakaluki", which refers to 'hidden treasure'. Read Visit Saint Martin, Coral Island, Bangladesh: Piece of Paradise on Bay of Bengal The riverine beauty of Hakaluki Haor This Haor, consists of almost 238 swamps, contains various species of fish and aquatic plants. Among the aquatic plants, there is a considerable amount of Puti in the extinct Makna swamp region, Hingajur, Hawa, etc. During the boat trip over Hakaluki Haor, you can see a few old Hijol and Tomal trees in the water. In winter, this place turns into a vast green desert, paddy fields and ditches somewhere. During this time about 25 species of ducks and aquatic birds migrated from Siberia in northern Asia. In addition, about 100 species of local birds are visible in the haor zone throughout the year. In the Haor area, you will find some high grounds wrapped in the carpet of green grass creating amazing views by throwing reflections in the water of the swamp. During the sunrise and sunset, the reflection of the sun on the water of the haor creates a captivating scene. Read The Most Beautiful Tea Gardens in Bangladesh to visit Surrounding these pastures and swamps of the huge wilderness, the rustic lives and simple livelihood of the local people will disconnect you from the din and bustle of city life. What is more? The chirpings of migratory birds in Hakaluki Haor give a thrill to the tourists. Best time to visit Hakaluki Haor You can choose the time between November and mid-February to visit Hakaluki Haor. During this period, with the arrival of birds, the Haor seems to have turned into a paradise on earth. However, if you want to witness the sea-look of Haor, you have to come in the month of June to August.

Tanguar Haor consists of 51 swamps located between Dhormopasha and Tahirpur Upazilas under the Sunamganj district of greater Sylhet. Spread over an area of about 100 sq-km, this river basin is the second largest freshwater wetland in Bangladesh. Tourists often flock to Tanguar Haor to see the mountains of Meghalaya in the distance, the clear water coming down from the springs, the chirping of innumerable birds, and the amazing beauty of the Koroch-Hijol forest. Let's have the details about the Tanguar Haor trip. The specialty of Tanguar Haor To enjoy the magical beauty of Tanguar Haor, many tourists spent days on boats. This experience sets the Tanguar Haor tour apart from all other tours. Read Waterfalls in Bangladesh: Everlast Destination for Fountain Lovers More than thirty springs descending from the Meghalaya hills made this Mother Fishery, which contains 200 species of aquatic animals, including 200 species of fish. Hijal Karach's sight has given shelter to more than two hundred species of plants including blue water lily, Helancha, Swarnolota. In winter, about 250 species of migratory birds, such as the extinct Palaces eagle and the large Gray-Kingstork, fly from faraway Siberia. Among the local birds, you will see many different types of birds including Balihash, Ganchil, Egret, Stork. Tanguar Haor is a sanctuary for two birds called Leuchchamara and Berberiar Beel. Right in the middle of Tanguar Haor is the beautiful Bill Hatirgata, most of which dries up in winter. Read Sylhet Tourist Places – Where to Go and What to Do Tanguar Haor: The best time to visit The monsoon is the best season to travel to Tanguar Haor. Because at this time all the swamps of the whole Tanguar Haor are filled with water full to the brim. The best time is from mid-July to the first week of September. But if you would like to witness the wonderful birds, winter would be a perfect choice. In this case, from the end of December to the whole month of January is the right time. Although the water level in the Haor is very low at this time, there is still no lack of beauty. Read Picnic Spots near Dhaka City for Short Break Dhaka to Tanguar Haor tour guide To go to Tanguar Haor, you have to go to Sunamganj first. The distance from Dhaka to Sunamganj by road is about 269 kilometers. From Sayedabad and Mohakhali bus terminals in Dhaka, several AC and non-AC buses including Hanif, Ena, Shyamoli travel directly to Sunamganj. It takes about 6 hours and a half to reach Sunamganj by Non-AC bus with ticket fare 550 Tk. Then you have to take a rickshaw from Sunamganj bus terminal to Shahebbazar Ghat. During monsoon, it is possible to reach Tangua in 2 hours by speed boat directly from Saheb Bari Ghat. The cost to go by speed boat is 7,500-8,000 Tk. However, it is possible to go between 2,500 Tk and 3,000 Tk by an engine boat. In that case, it will take about 5 hours to reach the destination. Read Buddha Dhatu Jadi: The sacred tourist spot and its trouble Accommodation for overnight stay You can rent a room at a low price in a wooden house called Haor Bilash in Tekerhat adjacent to Haor. However, it is a bit difficult to get a room in the on-season. Apart from this, there is no accommodation in private management. However, in Sunamganj you can get a residential hotel for 500 to 2000 Tk.