Netrokona:A significant canal restoration project has been launched in two unions of Kalmakanda upazila, encompassing a total of 2.5 kilometers. The restoration efforts were officially inaugurated in Rongchhati Union's Panchgaon and Lengura Union's Kathalbari, with the former occurring in the morning and the latter in the afternoon. This initiative has an estimated budget of Taka 15.75 lakh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the project was inaugurated by Kalmakanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) NM Abdullah Al Mamun, who served as the chief guest at the Panchgaon event in Rongchhati Union. The inauguration was attended by notable figures, including Rongchhati Union Parishad Chairman Anisur Rahman Pathan Babul, Upazila Engineer Md Mominul Islam, Kalmakanda Press Club President Sheikh Shamim, and other project officials.
The restoration project is part of the Initiative for Human Rights and Environmental Protection (IHREP), spearheaded by the Disabled Community Centre. The plan includes restoring 1.5 kilometers of canal in Panchgaon and one kilometer in Kathalbari, with each canal featuring a width of 15 feet and a depth of three feet.
A workforce of 45 will handle the restoration at Panchgaon over 25 working days, with a budget of Taka 7.875 lakh. Meanwhile, 30 workers will be employed at Kathalbari. Full-scale operations are scheduled to commence on Wednesday.
Officials and local stakeholders are optimistic that the restoration will enhance water drainage, alleviate waterlogging, protect the environment, and support agricultural activities in the region.