Crop protection embankments work in Sunamganj set to begin December 15

Although the first deadline ended on November 30, the formation of Project Implementation Committees (PIC) couldn't be completed as yet. However, it would be completed before the start of their field works on Sunamganj district's crop protection embankments, set to begin on December 15, an official informed this afternoon.

WDB's Executive Engineer, Sunamganj Abu Baker Siddique Bhuiyan told this correspondent that the local administration is to form about 1500 PICs for executing schemes to reconstruct or repair the crop protection embankments in 11 upazilas this year.

In total Tk 288 million had already been sanctioned while Tk 500 million is on the pipeline for executing the schemes. This year things are set to be done through new system of implementation on cash payment named 'money for work' (Kajer binimoye taka), the official said. A PIC would implement works worth Tk 0.5 million to 2.5 million, he informed.

However, the farmers and activists on the haor region apprehend the late start of works on haors would cause threat to the region's lone crop as it happened in the last year's Boro season due to early and heavy rains, floods and others.

As per new policy, a PIC is to be formed with 7 genuine farmers of the concerned area. Upazila Nirbahi Officer is to form the committee with President, member-secretary and members, if needed with consultation with other officials. None would be hreading 2 PICs.

Joint Convener of the citizens' forum 'Haor Banchao, Sunamganj Banchao', freedom fighter Abu Sufian said the delay in forming the PIC's may cause delay in starting the field works. He demanded for starting works just on recession of water from the haors.

Contacted, Superintending Engineer of the WDB, Sylhet Circle SM Shahidul Islam said the PIC formation is being delayed a little, but it would not hamper the works as they would start works from December 15 provided the stagnant water receded from areas.

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