Keraniganj: Water Resources, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hassan announced that the Shuvadda canal would be reconnected with the Dhaleshwari and Buriganga rivers to ensure its smooth flow. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the 'Re-digging of Shuvadda Khal and development of its embankments' project at the Jhawbari bridge area in Keraniganj upazila.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the canal will undergo excavation to achieve sufficient depth, illegal occupants will be removed, and concrete walkways will be constructed to prevent future reoccupation. Rizwana highlighted the canal's environmental significance, noting its role in supporting biodiversity and mitigating flooding by storing floodwaters. She urged local residents to cooperate with the project, which is being managed by the Bangladesh Army in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Rizwana emphasized that the canal's recovery and renovation would serve as a future example. She also noted that the project's total budget and expenditure have been transparently shared with the public, asserting that citizens have the right to access this information as taxpayers.
Home and Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) remarked on the historical significance of the Shuvadda canal, describing it as a vital natural resource and heritage of the area. He noted its past importance in supporting local livelihoods, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as its role in water discharge.
The 24th Engineering Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army is executing the project at a cost of Taka 317.59 crore, under the supervision of the Bangladesh Water Development Board. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Major General Muhammad Hassan-uz-Zaman, senior secretary to the water resources ministry Md Mukabbir Hossain, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Azaz, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, DIG Dhaka range Rezaul Karim Mallik, and Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed.