FROM PAGE 5
Abdus Samad, gatekeeper of the Teesta Irrigation Project and president of the farmers’ association in Dimla village, said farmers pay for irrigation water through the association.
He said the association employs workers to clean and monitor the canals in the irrigation area, which is why farmers are charged extra.
“After paying the government rate, the extra money is spent on the welfare of the association members,” he claimed.
The Teesta Barrage, located over the Teesta River in the Doani area of Hatibandha upazila in Lalmonirhat, is the largest irrigation project in the country. The barrage was built in 1990, and the irrigation project was launched in 1992.
There are 78 farmers’ associations in the project area, each with a gatekeeper to assist farmers in supplying water to their land.
Amolesh Chandra Roy, sub-extension officer of BWDB in Rangpur, said it is not feasible for the BWDB to monitor such a large area without forming farmers’ associations.
He said the association leaders must pay the irrigation fee on time. “I have not heard of any extra charges, and no farmer has complained in this regard,” he added.
Amitav Chowdhury, BWDB executive engineer in Daloa, said he was not aware of any information regarding farmers being charged extra money.
He said he would investigate the matter and take necessary action.
Body of missing
FROM PAGE 5
allegedly beaten until he lost consciousness and later died from his injuries. The group then buried the body in the tea garden hillocks to hide the crime, the OC said.
Md Salimul Haque, assistant superintendent of police (Madhabpur Circle), confirmed that the body had been sent to Habiganj Sadar Hospital for an autopsy.
Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the other individuals involved.