Excavator use in canal digging triggers farmland erosion in Bogura

Farmers in Bogura's Shajahanpur upazila have alleged that their agricultural land is being severely damaged due to unplanned canal excavation using excavators. They claim that farmland is collapsing into the canal as a result of the digging, causing loss of crops and soil erosion.

Layea Mia, 55, a farmer of Sonaidighi village under Aria union, said he had objected to the excavation work but was ignored. "The canal has been dug right through the middle of my land, causing erosion on both sides," he said. Another farmer, Idris Ali, 45, said about 15 decimals of his 33-decimal plot have already been lost to the canal, and erosion continues.

The farmers accused officials of ignoring their objections and threatening them with legal action if they tried to obstruct the government work. They also said they received no compensation or response from local authorities, including the union chairman.

Upazila Project Implementation Officer Moniruzzaman Monir said the excavation was done with local consent and the width was extended to about 20 feet instead of the designed 18 feet. He acknowledged that some private land was affected but claimed landowners had given permission. He said erosion on both sides after excavation is normal and that the chairman was asked to arrange compensation.


Union Parishad Chairman Atikur Rahman said lists of affected farmers are being prepared, but there is no government allocation for compensation. He said assistance would need to be arranged locally.

Upazila Executive Officer Md Taifur Rahman said there is no budget for compensation in this project but other projects may be considered for support.