Steps needed to remove sufferings of haor people

Farmers of haor area are suffering from flash flood losing livelihood. They almost lost everything due to the flood. Farmers of haor area largely depend on Boro rice which grows once in a year.

The flood damaged main crops in haor. Flash flood smashed crops worth thousands crore. Basically, farmers of these haor areas get crops one in a year but, the unexpected flood created a food crisis now. People are now panicked over their livelihood losing crops.

According to the data of Sunamganj agriculture department, there are 142 haors in the district and all the haors are now flooded. More than 1.5 lakh hectares went underwater. This year farmers cultivated total 223,850 lakh hectares of land in the district. Local farmers are saying that about 90 percent crops damaged due to the flood.

The government announced special relief for the flood affected people. According to the government’s announcement, each family will get 30 kgs of rice and Tk. 500 per month. However, the amount of relief is not sufficient for the affected people. If the authority does not start massive relief activities there then the sufferings will be multiplied. Besides, there is a serious water crisis in the haor area. As a result, water-borne diseases are spreading quickly.

Administration made a list with the assistance of local representatives. But, the victims of haor are passing days in tension that their names may not be included. A number of people are returning home with empty handed after failing to get rice at low price as the line is too long them. Media reports said that there is no pace on relief activities. One kind of negligence of the administration is noticed there.

Besides, there is an allegation that thousands of people in haor area are in crisis but the activity of the administration is little. No effective steps were seen on proper steps, damages and rehabilitation. There is also a complaint that a section of the administration is responsible for that. The people of the haors opined that if the authority repaired dams in time then the flood could not damages their crops.

The concerned authority should take proper steps marking the damages amount, indentify the victims. The government should ensure relief supply for the people till next year as they lost their whole livelihood for this season.

The administration should be more active as the lives of thousands of people depend on their effectives steps. Side by side, people's representatives should come forward to remove sufferings of haor dwellers. A real and quick list of victims should be made to eradicate corruption during relief distribution.

Harder steps should be taken against any kinds of irregularities and negligence in this regard.


risingbd/Dhaka/Apr 27, 2017/Ali Nowsher/Nasim