In 2019, a case was filed over allegations of building an unnecessary embankment in Dekhar Haor of Sunamganj. Every year, concerns emerge about projects that are not directly related to protecting haor crops, and this year is no different.

An embankment was recently constructed near Balikandi village on the western side of Kanlar Haor in Sadar upazila, even though it was approved two months late. Locals say it is actually a rural road rather than a crop protection structure. The project’s member secretary, Firoz Mia, admitted it would mainly help transport harvested paddy and fish.

Similar complaints have come from Doarabazar, where a village road was built under the name of a crop protection embankment without proper approval. In Joalbhanga Haor, an embankment meant to block river water later caused waterlogging, forcing farmers to cut parts of it for drainage. Locals say poor planning is disrupting natural water flow.

Farmers and activists claim unnecessary projects continue each year due to collusion, despite repeated complaints. Officials, however, say feasibility studies and public opinions are considered, and embankments are essential for food security—though environmental balance must also be maintained.

Despite ongoing work, costs have not decreased. Large sums are spent every year, yet farmers say crop risks are increasing and the haor ecosystem is being damaged.

Experts argue that relying on earthen embankments is not a long-term solution. They recommend proper drainage systems, sluice gates, environmentally friendly structures, and dredging of water bodies. They also stress the need for proper feasibility studies and greater importance to local input before approving projects.