In Kurigram, the human development project is changing the quality of life in the grasslands.

 Saifur Rahman Shamim, Kurigram :

In Roumari of Kurigram, through the Extended Community Climate Change Project-Flood (ECCCP-Flood) project, the poor families affected by the flood in the pastures of Roumari Upazila are changing.  Action Human Development Center is implementing the project with funding from Palli Karma Sahajik Foundation (PKSF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF).

On the ground, the Extended Community Climate Change Project-Flood (ECCCP-Flood) project funded by Human Development Center (PMUK), Palli Karma Sahajik Foundation (PKSF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) was launched in Kurigram district from November 2020 to combat the adverse effects of climate change.  In three unions of Roumari upazila (No. 03 Bandber, 02 No. Shaulmari, 04 No. Roumari) various types of adaptation development activities are being conducted.  Among these, the notable activities are (1) upliftment of habitations (2) installation of flood-free tube wells (3) construction of flood-free hygienic sanitary latrines (4) goat rearing by loft system and (5) extension of high-value agricultural technologies to flood-prone areas.

 Steps Human Development Center Roumari Upazila Project Officer.  Harunor Or Rashid said, we all know that Kurigram district is a flood prone district in view of the geographical condition of Bangladesh.  Roumari upazila is the most vulnerable during floods in this district.  The people of the area live a very inhumane life during floods.  The Extended Community Climate Change Project-Flood (ECCCP-Flood) of the Human Development Center is working alongside the government to improve the quality of life of the poor people of Roumari Upazila.  Through the organization, the habitations of the flood affected communities are raised 1.5 feet to 2 feet above the level of extreme floods of the last 10 years (according to the data of the Water Development Board).  Which is very beneficial for the flood prone area.

 He also said that so far 711 habitations have been raised, 210 flood-free sanitary latrines, 45 flood-free tube wells, 670 goat sheds and 1416 agricultural technology, 2166 skill development trainings have been provided in the three unions.  The NGO’s activities are reputable and have repeatedly earned a multidimensional reputation from donor agencies.  But some miscreants are trying to tarnish the image of the organization by spreading outlandish and misleading rumours.  Which is against the proper implementation of the developmental activities of the project.

 Chamiron Bewa of Kutirchar village of Bandber union said that earlier during floods, they had to stay in boats and banana rafts for 10 to 12 days.  Now, since the NGO has raised the house, we no longer have to suffer during floods. Muklima Khatun, Chamina Khatun of Shutirpar village of Roumari Sadar Union, Sajeda Khatun, Sahera Khatun, Surya Khatun and Asha Moni of Taluarchar village of Shaulmari Union said the same thing.

 Momina Begum of Kutirchar village of Bandber union said that I have now become self-sufficient by rearing high-quality goats because of the provision of goat lofts.  During the last Eid, I sold a goat worth Tk 27,000.  I still have 23 goats in my house.  I hope to be able to sell a goat worth 70,000 taka on Eid.

 Roumari Upazila Chairman Md.  Iman Ali said that measures to deal with the adverse effects of climate change are being implemented in the three unions of the upazila through the Extended Community Climate Change Project-Flood (ECCCP-Flood) funded by the Human Development Center (PMUK), Palli Karma Sahaji Foundation (PKSF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF).  The quality of the development is good.  If the project is extended to 6 unions, the people of the area will benefit more.