Mizan Mohsin, Saidpur
The Saidpur Water Development Division has spent Tk 40.584 million under the River Development and Rehabilitation (NDR) budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year to protect riverbanks, construct and repair siphons, and renovate and maintain water-management infrastructure in Saidpur and neighbouring areas of Nilphamari.
Of the total amount, Tk 29.62 million was spent on protecting 993.60 metres of riverbanks at eight locations through the construction and repair of protective embankments.
The projects have been implemented at vulnerable points along the Khorkhoria, Jamunashwari and Charalkata rivers, where erosion has posed a threat to homes, farmland, roads and other local infrastructure.
The work included a 90-metre protective embankment along the left bank of the Khorkhoria River at Katharipara in Botlagari Union. A 190-metre embankment was constructed along the right bank of the Jamunashwari River at Burirhat Rahimapur Mondolpara.
A 100-metre precautionary embankment was also constructed along the Charalkata River to protect the approach and connecting road of Beltali Bazar Bridge.
At Sannyasipara in Bahagili Union, another 75-metre section was constructed along the right bank of the Jamunashwari River to protect the cluster village. In Uttar Durakuthi, 100 metres of protective and repair work was carried out along the right bank of the Charalkata River.
In Belaichandi Union, a 166.60-metre section was constructed along the left bank of the Khorkhoria River at Katharipara. Another 80 metres of riverbank protection work was carried out along the right bank of the Jamunashwari River at Moynakuri.
The remaining 192 metres of protective embankment was constructed along the left bank of the river at Gobragari in Rajarampur village of Madhupur Union.
The riverbank protection works are expected to reduce erosion risks at the identified vulnerable points and help safeguard nearby settlements, agricultural land and important local roads during the monsoon.
The Tk 40.584 million expenditure also covered the construction and repair of seven siphons, along with renovation and maintenance of other infrastructure under the NDR budget.
During a field visit, it was found that the soil had been properly compacted before geo-textile fabric and gunny bags were laid. Seventy-five-kilogram geo-bags were then placed on top as part of the protection measures.
Local residents said the work had reduced their anxiety during the monsoon. Farmers Nur Hossain and Abdul Aziz of Sannyasipara in Bahagili Union, residents Julfikar Rahman and Babul Hossain of Katharipara in Botlagari, and Ilias and Fazlur of Katharipara in Belaichandi said the embankments had helped safeguard homes, farmland and roads. They also expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work.
Alongside riverbank protection, Tk 8.47 million was spent on irrigation and water-drainage infrastructure. Seven new siphons were constructed and another was repaired.
One siphon was constructed on the T1S9D irrigation canal, one on the T1SD irrigation canal with two dents, three on the TA1B irrigation canal and one on the S5R irrigation canal. Another siphon was repaired on the T2S5R irrigation canal.
Local people said the improvements had contributed to better water drainage and irrigation management, particularly by reducing waterlogging in several areas.
The NDR budget also funded renovation and maintenance work at two residential colonies under the Saidpur Water Development Division. The work included repairing residential buildings, replacing electricity poles and power lines, supplying sanitary equipment, and repairing electric water pumps and pipelines.
Funds were also spent on sub-soil testing of various infrastructure, renovation of a mosque at one of the colonies and mutation of land acquired by the Water Development Division. A total of Tk 2.494 million was spent on these activities.
Saidpur Water Development Division Executive Engineer Md Akhinuzzaman said the projects had been implemented through regular field inspections and proper supervision.
“If any problem is found with the work, it is addressed again through the contractor,” he said.
He added that repairs to the siphons had reduced waterlogging in several areas. “If any irregularity is found, necessary action will be taken, including forfeiting the contractor's security deposit,” he said.
Local residents hope continued riverbank protection and water-management work will further safeguard homes and farmland, sustain agricultural production and strengthen the rural economy. #EK
