Allegations have emerged that a residential house is being constructed by blocking the drainage outlets of two culverts near Shiratti Bazar on the Chanpara-Itakhola road in Aowalai Union of Panchbibi upazila, Joypurhat.
Local farmers fear that this obstruction will cause waterlogging in three nearby crop fields during the monsoon season, potentially damaging hundreds of bighas of agricultural land.
According to a complaint submitted to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), signed by local farmers, and confirmed through on-site visits, rainwater from the Shiratti Bharhut, Goalpara, and Haripur fields usually drains into the Harabati River through the two culverts near Shiratti Bazar. However, a local influential person named Abdul Alim has allegedly started constructing a brick house after blocking the drainage paths of these culverts. This may result in severe waterlogging and crop damage in the affected areas.
Farmers including Matiar Rahman, Mizanur Rahman, and Tozammel said that crops such as potatoes, watermelons, and paddy are cultivated in these fields. During heavy rainfall, the culverts serve as the only drainage route. "If this pathway is blocked, farmers will suffer heavy losses," they warned.
When contacted, Abdul Alim claimed that he is following government regulations and has left a three-foot space, insisting that the drainage system will not be affected.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Selim Ahmed said that the local land office has been instructed to inspect the matter on-site.
