A solar-powered irrigation project worth about Tk42.8 lakh has become inoperative before it could be commissioned after thieves allegedly stole its solar panels, batteries, electrical cables and other valuable equipment.
The pilot project was implemented by the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) to supply water from the restored Ichamati River to farmland in Lakshmipur village of Atghoria Upazila. However, before the pumps could begin operating, the theft of key components rendered the system unusable, leaving a government-funded initiative abandoned and farmers without the expected irrigation facilities.
BMDA began installing two solar-powered irrigation pumps on 28 November 2023 under the Ichamati River restoration project. Construction was completed on 28 May 2024.
A similar situation has emerged at another site in Sripur along the Ichamati River, where two more solar-powered irrigation pumps have also been left inoperative after valuable equipment was reportedly stolen.
Farmers said the project had faced criticism from the outset because of its location, arguing that the pumps would have been more beneficial if installed in areas dominated by vegetable cultivation rather than paddy fields.
BMDA implemented the pilot project at a cost of about Tk42.84 lakh to assess the feasibility of using surface water from the Ichamati River for irrigation. However, the theft of equipment before commissioning has prompted local residents to question whether public funds have been properly utilised.
They called for an immediate investigation, identification of those responsible and the restoration of the project so that farmers can receive the intended irrigation benefits.
Local farmer Abul Kashem said electrical cables had been stolen, replaced and then stolen again, leaving farmers struggling to irrigate their land.
He also said the pumps should have been installed in vegetable-growing areas instead of paddy fields, where they would have benefited more farmers.
Another farmer, Akkas Ali, said the project was almost complete and only the power line remained to be connected when the cables were stolen.
He alleged that, because there was no proper monitoring afterwards, more equipment gradually disappeared.
Farmer Manik Hossain said the pumps had never become fully operational, depriving farmers of irrigation support that could have significantly improved cultivation.
He urged the authorities to prevent further theft and make the pumps operational as soon as possible.
Contractor Ruhul Hossain said he had already suffered financial losses after replacing cables and equipment stolen during an earlier incident, while part of his payment remained outstanding.
He said he learned through the media that equipment had been stolen again and that it was no longer possible for him to bear the cost of further replacements.
Saifunnahar, executive engineer of the BMDA in Pabna, said the authority was aware of the theft of equipment from the two irrigation pumps.
“The matter is being treated seriously and necessary measures will be taken,” she said.
