Inoperative sluice gates leave farmers sighing in despair

Once upon a time, the sluice gates were symbol of hope for thousands of farmers. Built at a cost of approximately Tk 2 crore with the expectation that it would retain monsoon water and supply irrigation to crop fields during the dry season, the infrastructure became defunct shortly after its construction. Now, that sluice gates, which have remained useless for over a decade, stands as a symbol of suffering for thousands of farmers in Manoharganj upazila, Cumilla.

The lack of irrigation is hampering Boro cultivation, the Nadna canal is drying up, water navigation has ceased, and locals are watching how a development project has gradually turned into a monument of neglect. In the words of locals: The sluice gate that arrived as a ray of hope has now become a thorn in the side.

The agricultural lands in Manoharganj upazila are largely dependent on the water of the Nadna canal. The sluice gates were constructed on the Nadna canal, a branch of the Dakatia River, with the aim of retaining water in the canal during the dry season to ensure irrigation facilities for Irri-Boro cultivation. According to the Cumilla Water Development Board (WDB), it was built in the 2006-07 fiscal year at a cost of about Tk 2 crore.

However, local farmers allege that within just one year of construction, the sluice gates' functionality began to decline. Gradually, it became completely inoperative. Mohammad Hossain Mia, a farmer from the Chadga village, said, "The fate of thousands of farmers is tied to these gates, but since its construction, we have rarely benefited from it."

Abul Kashem from the Lotsar village lodged similar complaints. According to him, the multi-crore project is now ineffective due to a lack of maintenance. "There is no manpower to look after the sluice gates. Left unguarded for a long time, various components—including nuts, bolts, and iron sheets—have been stolen," said local farmer Zahirul Islam.

However, the crisis is not limited to the sluice gate alone. Due to the long absence of dredging in the Nadna canal, its navigability has also decreased. After the monsoon ends, water drains into the Dakatia River through the main sluice gates' shutters, causing the canal to dry up within a few months.

According to the farmers, when the fields need water the most, the canal remains dry. Many are forced to irrigate from alternative sources at extra cost, while others have reduced their cultivation area altogether. At one time, the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) arranged for water lifting via pumps, but that too has been discontinued for the past three years. The ineffectiveness of the sluice gates have not only impacted agriculture but has also affected local communication and the economy.
Alamgir Hossen BSc, Chairman of Baishgaon Union Parishad, said that the Nadna canal was once an important waterway for the area. From transporting agricultural produce to a large part of local trade and commerce, much revolved around this canal. But now, due to water hyacinths and silt accumulation across the canal, vessel movement has almost come to a halt. "Where boats once plied, people can now walk across," he said.

During the monsoon, native fish species used to enter the canal from the Dakatia River. However, the disruption of normal water flow and the reduction in navigability have changed that picture. Local farmers believe that simply repairing the sluice gate will not fully solve the problem. Additionally, dredging the Nadna canal, regular maintenance, and a long-term water management plan are also necessary.

Regarding this matter, Abdul Latif, Executive Engineer (Additional) of the Cumilla Water Development Board, was contacted. He said due to a lack of adequate allocation, the sluice gate repair work has been stalled for a long time. He added that if the necessary funds are allocated to increase production capacity in the agriculture sector, initiatives will be taken to repair this infrastructure promptly.