Lalmonirhat:Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has announced a significant initiative to re-excavate the country's abandoned canals and develop them for multipurpose use. This year, 30 canals in eight districts have been designated as "model canals," with the Mahendranagar canal in Lalmonirhat being one of the key projects. The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the canal excavation program on November 19.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Minister shared this information while briefing journalists after inspecting the model canal in Mahendranagar Union under Sadar upazila of Lalmonirhat district. The initiative, which intensified last year, aims to utilize these canals not only for water drainage and storage but also for additional purposes such as tree planting, fish farming, and duck rearing.
The Minister highlighted that the program also aims to create employment opportunities through the formation of cooperative societies. Each society will consist of 20 members from the ultra-poor population, who will manage fish farming, duck rearing, and the care of planted trees along the canals. These members will be formally engaged through agreements to oversee these activities.
The Mahendranagar Model Canal, spanning approximately 15 kilometers, originates in Mahendranagar under Sadar upazila of Lalmonirhat and merges with the Teesta River. During the Prime Minister's visit on November 19, he will also inspect the 'Aviation and Aerospace University, Bangladesh' and the 'Alokita Lalmonirhat' initiative, which aims to make the region crime-free through active public participation.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a disaster-resilient house built under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, intended for families who own between two and 10 decimals of land. Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Rashedul Haque Prodhan, Zila Parishad Administrator A K M Mominul Haque, and other relevant officials were present during the announcement.