Haors are large saucer-shaped flood plain depressions located mostly in north-eastern region of the country covering about 25% of the entire region. There are altogether 411 haors comprising an area of about 8000 km2 dispersed in the districts of Sunamgonj, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Hobigonj, Netrokona & Kishoreganj.

The Haors are enriched with various aquatic biodiversities along with 140 species of fish. About 8000 migratory wild birds visit the area annually. The extreme flashy character of the rivers and high rain fall compare to other part of the country in the region causes frequent flash floods in the Haor.

To protect the crops in the Haor areas, the erstwhile Zamindars with the participation of the local people used to construct small dykes and appurtenant structures for early flood protection and irrigation. Since 1966, BWDB adopted better technology and completed 46 projects under EIP and SRP in the Sunamgonj, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Hobigonj, Netrokona and Kishoreganj districts. A total of about 0.29 million hectare cultivable land has been made flash flood free by implementing about 2000 km submersible embankment and ancillary structures.

In Haor area three major resources viz. land, water & human resource could not be utilized in an integrated way due to its unique geographical as well as complex hydrological characteristics. Some of the important aspects to utilize the resource are to ensure harvesting of principal crop (Boro), enhancement of communication net works, multiple use of water resources with emphasis on fishery, agriculture, cattle farming and employment opportunities for both men & women throughout the year.
The flood control infrastructures in these districts have been damaged by recent floods requiring immediate repair and rehabilitation. Boro rice in these project areas were damaged and will continue to be damaged till such time arrangements for protecting them from early flash floods are made. Boro being the only crop grown in the area during the year, the repair and rehabilitation work need to be taken up immediately to check starvation due to repeated damage of the only crop through recurring early flash floods almost every year.