Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 6, 2026 (BSS) - Waterlogging has become a serious problem in many wetlands in Bagha upazila of the district.

Local residents said illegal excavation of ponds in beels and the suspension of canal dredging are the main reasons behind the situation.

Relevant stakeholders said farmers have long been unable to cultivate crops due to waterlogging in several beels, including Barkhadia, Hizol Palli, Digha, Nautika, Tepukhuria, Arifpur and Amodpur.

This has negatively impacted the local economy and disrupted the ecological balance.

Field visits and discussions with farmers revealed that illegal pond excavation has been continuing for a long time in different beels of the upazila. As a result, natural waterbody and normal water flow channels are being obstructed. During the monsoon and heavy rainfall, water remains trapped, causing persistent waterlogging in nearby farmlands.

The stagnant water in the beels continues to inundate surrounding agricultural lands, severely disrupting farming activities.

Meanwhile, canal excavation, which is crucial for proper drainage, has remained suspended for a long time, further worsening the situation.

Residents also alleged that during the previous government's tenure, canal excavation was halted following claims of personal ownership of land within canal areas.

Farmers said that if the new government takes initiatives in line with its election pledges and resumes canal excavation, the stagnant water could be drained easily, reducing waterlogging.

Locals demanded strict administrative action against illegal pond excavation and stressed the urgent need to resume canal dredging and implement a permanent drainage system.

They also emphasised that stopping illegal activities and completing canal excavation would benefit hundreds of farmers and increase agricultural production.

Regarding the issue, Upazila Agriculture Officer Shafiullah Sultan said that about three years ago, he, along with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, conducted a field visit to address the problem.

However, at that time, some influential people filed court cases claiming ownership of land within canal areas, which obstructed the excavation work.

He added that if the authorities concerned implement their commitment to resume canal dredging, farmers will become financially self-reliant and the national economy will also benefit.