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Impact of Zilkar Haor in Sylhet, Bangladesh

M. J. B. Alam
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet

S. Islam
Department of Civil Engineering, IUBAT- International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka

M.A. Haque
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Zilkar Haor Flood Control and Drainage Project is important agriculture area located in Sylhet Sadar Upazila. The project consists of two haors viz. Zilkar haor and Haparu haor. It was started in 1983/84 and completed in 1986/87. Although the project is functioning well from the very beginning, it was damaged during flood 2004. An attempt has been undertaken in this study to identify the existing problems of the project. The assessment was carried out by investigation of physical components and consultation with stakeholders. Investigation has been done from August 2004 to March 2005. Drainage congestion of Haparu haor after rainfall and in monsoon has been identified as one of the most severe problem of the project. Water scarcity for irrigation during winter has been reported as another severe drawback of the project. Other identified problems are social conflict between farmers and fishermen during post monsoon season and lack of maintenance of physical components of the project.

Keywords: Haor, Flood, Irrigation, Drainage Congestion

Location: Zilkar Haor in Sylhet, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-08-2004

End Date: 00-03-2005

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Non-commodity: Impact

Objectives:

1. The objectives of the study were to identify various problems and to recommend some probable solutions to rehabilitate the project. With a view to achieve the objectives, a broader methodology was taken into consideration that includes field observation and perception study. Field investigation and stakeholders consultation were carried out from August’ 04 to March’ 05. Stakeholders consulted were farmers, fishermen, boatmen, local people, people’s representatives and BWDB staffs.

Methodology:

The Zilkar Haor Flood Control and Drainage (FCD) project is located in Sylhet Sadar Upazila, Kotwali Thana under the Sylhet Operation and Maintenance (Q&M) Circle of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). The project has a gross area of 5263 ha and a net area of 4251 ha. A full flood control embankment with irrigation inlets divides the two haors. The overall project area is bounded by the Sylhet - Sunamganj highway in the south that runs parallel to the Surma River and serves as a flood control embankment. The northern boundary is formed by the Singer River (locally called Singer Khal). The east is bounded by the Sadi Channel (also called Sadi Khal), while the westnorthwest consists of a natural elevated levee of the Surma River that acts as a submersible embankment. The haors are roughly saucer-shaped, with the periphery somewhat elevated (ranging from 8 m to 10 m PWD) and the center is depressed and low-lying (usually 4.5 m to 6 m). In general, the area is sloppy towards the Singer Channel in the north, with the eastern and southern peripheries being higher than that of the western part. Homesteads are in the higher lands, concentrated around the periphery. The pre-project flooding situations were characterized by early flash floods in the month of April-May and monsoon floods later on in July- August. The Zilkar haor project is basically a flood control project with a very minor gravity irrigation component built into it. Part of the project area (Zilkar haor area) has been protected by a submersible embankment that imparts a security to the Boro/Rabi crops from flash flood, particularly during their mature stages in April-May. The other part of the project (Haparu haor area) has been protected by a full flood embankment, designed to safeguard the B.Aus and T.Aman crops. There are three regulators on the Singer channel to facilitate drainage, and a number of bridges, culverts and sluice gates on the Sylhet-Sunamganj highway.

Source of Information: J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 3(1): 85-88, 2010; ISSN 1999-7361

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Small projects with a clear and simple concept like the Zilkar haor project appear to yield a high rate of economic return, and deserve encouragement.

Knowledge Management: Journal