Baro Chhara sub-project inaugurated in Nabiganj; 618 families to get benefit

A flagship sub-project on Baro Chhara Canal has been inaugurated in Nabiganj upazila of Habiganj district to boost agricultural production, expand irrigation facilities and improve water management. 

The project, funded jointly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Bangladesh and implemented under the LGED's Small Scale Water Resources Development Project, is expected to directly benefit 618 families across 609 hectares of farmland.

JICA Bangladesh Office Chief Representative Takahashi Jun inaugurated the project at a ceremony held at Paniunda union under Nabiganj upazila on Monday (November 2) while LGED Additional Chief Engineer for Sylhet Division Md Golam Mawla was in the chair. 

LGED Chief Engineer Md Belal Hossain, Supervising Engineer of the Sylhet region Arun Kumar Chowdhury and Project Director Saniul Haque attended the programme as special guests. 

The programme was coordinated by Ahmed Tanzir Ullah Siddiqui, Executive Engineer of LGED Habiganj.

According to LGED sources, the project has been implemented in Pani Umda, Baraikandi and Kursha villages of Nabiganj upazila.

The project involved an expenditure of Tk 119,003,000, jointly financed by JICA and the Bangladesh government. Major components include excavation and re-excavation of Baro Chhara Canal, renovation of canal banks, construction of sluice gates and culverts, and development of necessary infrastructure for water control and management.

The project will facilitate the drainage of excess water during the monsoon and ensure the supply of irrigation water to agricultural lands during the dry season. As a result, irrigation facilities will be extended to 609 hectares of farmland, creating opportunities to increase agricultural production and cropping intensity in the area.

To ensure effective local water management and the sustainability of the infrastructure, a Water Management Cooperative Association has been formed with the participation of 611 men and women. The association will involve local farmers in water distribution, management and maintenance of the newly developed infrastructure.

Officials concerned believe that the Barachhara Canal Sub-Project will play an important role in addressing irrigation shortages for farming families in the area. They also expect the initiative to improve water management, increase agricultural production and strengthen the rural economy.