Urgent Government Assistance Needed to Rescue Arable Land

The damage caused by the devastating floods in August across 11 districts is overwhelming. As the floodwaters recede, the extent of the devastation is becoming increasingly apparent. One of the major issues now facing the affected areas is the accumulation of sand on arable land, leaving farmers deeply concerned. In Feni, particularly in the Parshuram and Fulghazi areas, fields have been buried under layers of sand and soil. In some cases, the sand is so deep that farmers struggle to recognize their own land. Additionally, the flow of floodwaters has caused cracks in the land, further complicating recovery efforts.

Reports indicate that approximately 225 hectares of land in 11 villages of Parshuram Upazila in Feni district are now unsuitable for cultivation. In the Mirzanagar union, sand piles have accumulated to heights of 4 to 6 feet, covering previously fertile land. Locals have raised concerns about the Ballamukha canal in India, which they believe contributed to the flooding. They allege that during the recent floods, India breached the dam of the Ballamukha Canal, causing the Muhuri River to overflow into Kalikapur village and spread to other areas. The flood has not only left the land uneven and difficult to plow but has also created numerous ditches from the water flow, exacerbating the challenges for farmers as they attempt to restore their fields.

In the wake of the devastating floods, many farmers are now unable to recognize their own land due to the heavy accumulation of sand. The boundaries of their fields have been obscured, and they face a daunting challenge in restoring their lands to a state suitable for cultivation. Farmers are concerned that if the sand is not removed, it could render their land unusable for the next 10 to 15 years, highlighting the severity of the loss they are facing.

The scale of the damage is such that recovery cannot be managed through private initiatives alone. Farmers are urgently calling for government intervention to help restore their lands. While volunteers and local residents provided crucial support during the immediate aftermath of the floods, their efforts are insufficient for addressing the long-term recovery needs.

The situation demands prompt and effective government action. The government's involvement is crucial not only to assist the farmers but also to safeguard the broader food supply. If large areas of arable land remain uncultivable, it will inevitably put pressure on food production and availability, affecting everyone.

It's crucial to address the issue of sand accumulation on arable land promptly. If the sand piles are not removed now, and if another flood occurs next year, the situation could become even more severe. Immediate action is needed to prevent further exacerbation of the problem. Additionally, there is a pressing need to dredge the rivers and canals around Feni district, including the Muhuri River. The disruption of water flow in these waterways has contributed to the spread of sand over the cropland, compounding the difficulties faced by farmers.

The government’s intervention is essential in both removing the sand and restoring proper water flow to mitigate the risk of future flooding.