Shantiganj Embankment Work Stalled 20 Days Past Deadline

Construction and renovation of critical crop protection embankments in Shantiganj remain stalled, despite a formal inauguration 20 days ago. Local farmers are expressing growing anxiety as delays threaten their seasonal harvests.

Official regulations mandate that embankment work in the Sunamganj haors (wetlands) must begin by December 15 and conclude by February 28. However, nearly three weeks after the Upazila Executive Officer inaugurated a project at the Sadarpur Bridge, residents report that no actual work has commenced across major areas including Deran, Khai, Kanchi Bhanga, and Jamkhla haors.

This year, 67 Project Implementation Committees (PICs) were tasked with renovating 46.75 kilometers of dams at a projected cost of Tk 12.2 crore. Sources claim the delay stems from the Water Development Board (PAUBO) and local administration’s failure to finalize committee lists or issue formal work orders.

Raihan Ahmed, president of the PIC for the project inaugurated on Dec. 15, noted that while some preliminary tasks are underway, the lack of a formal work order remains a hurdle. "We will complete the work as soon as possible once we receive the official order," he said.

Abu Said, president of the Shantiganj Haor Bachao Andolan, criticized the administration for the lapse. "The negligence in constructing these dams is regrettable," Said said. "The Water Development Board and the Upazila Committee must take responsibility for failing to issue work orders 20 days into the schedule."

Responding to the criticism, Water Development Board Deputy Assistant Engineer Kamruzzaman Mohan stated that seven of the 67 committees have yet to be finalized. He promised that work orders would be issued within two to three days, though he claimed that some level of activity has already begun on approximately 50 dams.