Study of selected BWDB small scale projects

Abstract

To get an immediate impact on the food-grain self-sufficiency, the Government of Bangladesh took initiative in implementing Small Scale Water development projects to get quick benefit at least cost. This strategy helped to develop some potential area for agriculture on a priority basis. It was also aimed to take the benefits of development works in a distributive way to the target group of popu1ation(Landless and Marginal farmers group). Following the concept, a large number of small scale projects have already been completed and many are sti 11 now being implemented by BWDB. Three such projects which are already in operation have been chosen for the present study to visualise the level of their performance. These are Mashajan-Lauhajong project, Polder 65/A- 3 project, Mondakini Khal irrigation project. The study reveals that Mondakini khal irrigation project is a successful one. It is being maintained as and when needed. It was evaluated well after its completion. The study reveals clearly its success in respect of different aspects of national development through increased agricultural production and also through socio-economic well-being. Mashajan-Lauhajong project is an incomplete one and Polder 65/A-3 project is in serious state of disrepair; but the result of this study shows their potentiality in obtaining the desired goal if rehabilitated properly. The study reveals the need for completing the excavat ion of the dra inage cana 1s upto the des ign requ irement in Mashajan- Lauhajong project and raising of embankment he ight by another meter with reconstruction of breached portions of embankment in Polder 65/A-3 project for their proper functioning.

It is found from the present study that Mondakini Khal Irrigation Project, which is a completed and reasonably maintained BWDB Small Scale Project, has helped increase agricultural production to achieve selfsufficiency in food-grain. It is felt that rehabilitation work need to be carried out for projects having serious complaints of incompleteness and disrepair like Mashajan-Lauhajong Project and Polder 65/A-3 Project. It is also felt that comp 1eted projects should be supported with adequate ma intenance fund and fostered by a local project maintenance committee formed of the members from the beneficiaries and backed by Bangladesh Water Development Board. This aspect should be given due importance in all projects. An implemented project should also be backed by farm support measures to attain increased agricultural productivity. This also deserves due attention for getting optimum benefit from any such project.