Recently, thousands of bighas of cropland were submerged after a flood-control dam of the Harina canal broke in Monirampur upazila of Jashore.

Residents reported that around 4am on Saturday, water from the Harina canal began to enter the village. Despite their efforts throughout the day, locals were unable to stop the onrush of water, resulting in approximately 1,200 bighas of Boro land along the bank being flooded.

Deepak Kumar, a member of the Durbadanga Union Parishad (UP), explained that the Harina canal is located between two large fish enclosures. According to an agreement between farmers and the enclosure owner, water is usually released into the canal for irrigation during the Boro season, which is essential for paddy cultivation. The canal merges with a river through the Gayekhali gate in Keshabpur upazila.

Recently, however, the irrigated water did not drain out through the Gayekhali gate, causing stagnation in the Harina canal. This stagnation led to water flooding 1,200 bighas of Boro plantations. When an announcement was made on the loudspeaker in the morning, locals attempted to protect the dam with bamboo poles, but their efforts were in vain.

Deepak expressed concern, stating, "Everyone in the area is now worried about their agricultural production. A fish enclosure was also damaged. We are trying to repair the dam to prevent further water flow. Once we succeed, we will divert water for a week to help save some of the paddy."

Upazila Social Service Officer Rokonuzzaman who is currently in charge of the administration as Durbadanga UP Chairman Gazi Mazharul has been absconding, stated, "I have not received any news about the dam breaking and the flooding of Boro plantations."

In response to inquiries regarding the incident, Mahmuda Khatun, the Upazila Agriculture Officer, said, "I have heard about the dam breaking and the damages to the Boro lands. However, I still need to gather detailed information on the matter."