Phulbari Farmers Call for Crackdown on Illegal Water Trading and Tubewells

Farmers in Phulbari Upazila, Dinajpur, are calling for government intervention following allegations of illegal irrigation operations and unauthorized water sales in the Ganipur area.

The dispute centers on a deep tubewell managed by the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA). Ayesha Siddika, a BMDA-appointed operator, filed a formal complaint with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) alleging that a private operator, Prafulla Chandra Das, is running an irrigation business in violation of BMDA regulations.

According to the complaint, while Das obtained a license in 2016, his current operations fall within an existing "command area" where new tubewells are prohibited. A 2017 investigation reportedly confirmed these irregularities, leading to a suspension order that Siddika claims is being ignored.

Field observations reveal that some shallow pumps are located only 200 meters apart, violating the Irrigation Pump Installation Act, which mandates specific distances to protect groundwater levels. Siddika further alleges that the unauthorized pumps are powered by illegal electricity connections.

In his defense, Prafulla Chandra Das dismissed the allegations, claiming the complaint is motivated by "business rivalry."

Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Irrigation Committee President Ahmed Hasan confirmed he has received the complaint. "We will investigate the matter and take immediate legal action as necessary," Hasan stated.