During dry seasons water will enter from Kushiara river through Rahimpuri canal and be passed down to Haor and Bil in four upazilas including Zakiganj of Sylhet.
This will lead a massive change as about 10,000 hectares of land will come under cultivation due to the creation of irrigation facilities. In addition, aquaculture will increase in haors and beels and bring a positive impact on the local economy.
Bangladesh will withdraw 153 cusecs of water from Kushiara every year under the agreement signed between Bangladesh and India, during Prime Minister’s recent visit to India.
According to local sources, Zakiganj is the most resourceful upazila of Sylhet when it comes to agriculture. Due to irrigation facilities, huge quantities of paddy and rapeseeds were produced in this upazila even during the dry season.
Zakiganj Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Sheikh Farid said, “If the water of Kushiara river is flown through Rahimpuri canal, irrigation facilities will be ensured during the dry season which will benefit millions of people as well as cultivation of boro rice will be possible in the downstream areas of the canal.
@the article appeared on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on September 10, 2022 and rewritten in English by Ishrar Tabassum and Lutful Hoque
