Teesta irrigation project to start in 3 districts of Rangpur
DOT Desk: The irrigation is expected to officially start from January 15 in the command area of the irrigation project, reports Dhaka Tribune.The Teesta barrage irrigation project is set to begin in the current Rabi and Kharif-1 seasons in three districts – Nilphamari, Rangpur and Dinajpurof Bangladesh.
Around 29,500 hectares of land has been allotted for this irrigation program.
The inauguration of this program is expected to be held on January 15 in the irrigation projectcommand area. The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) Rangpur division’s Director Jati Prasad Ghosh is expected to be present at the event.
Department of Agricultural Extension sources said there is an extensive demand of Teesta water for the irrigation dependent boro paddy cultivation.
Then again, the fate of thousands of farmers in the north depends on irrigation of the flow of upstream water.
In the current season, Teesta river waters’ flow is 5000 cusecs, while water flow in the river was 1500 cusec in the last 15 days. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the flow of water increased to 5000 cusec.
Agricultural Extension Officer of the Teesta Barrage Irrigation Project Rafiul Bari said: “Irrigation from the Teesta Barrage in the current Rabi and Kharif-1 season will officially start from January 15.
“There are plans to bring 79,000 hectares of land under this irrigation project in the three districts. It will depend on the availability of upstream flow of the river water.”
Meanwhile the 29,500 hectares land allotted in Nilphamari, Rangpur and Dinajpur districts have been distributed to the following areas: Domar-Dimla, Jaldhaka,sadar upazila, Kishoreganj, Syedpur of Nilphamari, theGangachara upazila of Rangpur and Khansama and Chirirbandar of Dinajpur.
The officer further said: “It is possible to irrigate 50,000 hectares of land with the amount of water present. Irrigation might be possible in the command area of 79,000 hectares of land if water availability increases.”
Dalia Division Water Development Board Executive Engineer Abdullah Al Mamun said: “The flow of water in Teesta river is steady. If this continues, we can start irrigation in the 79,000 hectares of land.
“We hope the farmers of these districts can use water for irrigation to their heart’s content. This will reduce irrigation costs and increase the quality of rice paddy.”