Rajshahi:The government has initiated a significant project to re-excavate 700 kilometres of canals and 600 ponds in the Barind region as a measure to combat the severe water crisis affecting the area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) is spearheading this initiative, implemented through its 18 partner organizations and funded by the Green Climate Fund. The $30 million project, named 'Extended Community Climate Change Project-Drought' (ECCCP-Drought), focuses on the drought-prone areas of Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj and aims to mitigate water scarcity, enhance irrigation facilities, and bolster the local community's climate change adaptation capabilities.
To date, approximately 143 kilometres of canals and 250 ponds have been re-excavated, which has provided substantial benefits to farmers and residents by improving agricultural output. The project is set to continue until 2028, with plans to install rooftop-based managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems in 2,500 houses and at 40 ponds. Currently, 1,600 rooftops have been equipped with these systems, which are expected to provide sustainable water access to around 215,000 people.
Fazle Hossain, the Project Coordinator, stated that the initiative includes strategies to reduce groundwater extraction, reuse greywater, replenish reserves using rainwater, and utilize surface water for irrigation. He noted that the re-excavated canals, with depths reaching up to 15 feet, are expected to serve farmers for at least the next 15 years, as they witness reduced irrigation costs and improved rice cultivation techniques.
Many rural water bodies had been lost to silt, weeds, and vegetation, but their restoration is now underway, creating new water sources for both irrigation and household use. PKSF officials highlighted the suitability of large rooftops in the region for rainwater collection, which is then directed into underground aquifers.
Samiul Haque Tutul, another project official, pointed out that re-excavated canals have lowered irrigation costs for farmers in Chapainawabganj, who had previously faced high irrigation expenses. The project has also trained farmers to use water more efficiently, reducing consumption by 20 to 30 percent and increasing crop yields, as evidenced by farmer Said Hossain's improved rice harvest.
The re-excavation of the Jolahar Canal and several ponds has facilitated water availability for agricultural land in Jhilim Union, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon. Additionally, the MAR system plays a crucial role in treating and directing rainwater or excess surface water into underground reserves for use during dry seasons.
In a parallel effort to restore the region's green cover, PKSF has distributed around 200,000 saplings of various trees to educational institutions, with plans to distribute up to one million. Students participate by caring for the saplings, fostering environmental responsibility among the younger generation.