In Ulipur of Kurigram, thousands of families have been living on the sides of the dam road surrounded by the Teesta river for 33 years without any kind of public-private help. Such a scene was seen in Hokdanga Hajipara area of Thetrai Union of the upazila. Repeatedly in any election, candidates have been elected with promises and till now no public representative has come forward to implement the promises. In the construction of this sluice gate of the connection road of 4 unions of the upazila.
It is known that 90 percent of the people of that area make a living by producing agricultural products. 33 years ago today, the farmers of the area cut the road to the dam to drain the water for the cultivation facility. Since then, the farmers of this area are not getting the fair price of the crops due to the difficulty of travel and transportation despite producing crops in the midst of various difficulties. As a result, farmers have to live a subhuman life for years.
Locals complain that more than 10,000 people, including thousands of students studying in 4 union schools and colleges, use this road every day. Part of the cultivated land in Hokdanga Haji Para is dependent on the waters of this Teesta. However, as no sluice gate has been constructed here there is no opportunity to control the water. Every year the crops are damaged by the flood which freely seeps into the cultivated land under the wooden pool. They also said that not only about crop damage. Children are afraid to send their children to school over these dangerous wooden pools during the monsoon season.
In this regard, UP member of Ward No. 8 of Thetrai Union, Anichur Rahman said, I am seeking the approval of the concerned authorities to construct a sluice gate here for the benefit of school-college students, poor farmers and thousands of pedestrians in this area affected by river erosion surrounded by Teesta river.
Abdullah Al Mamun, Executive Engineer of Kurigram Water Development Board said, I have not received any application so far and I do not know. I am aware of you. Necessary action will be taken after inspecting the area.