Dhaka: Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee announced today that canals will be reclaimed from illegal occupants. “Necessary tree plantation and beautification initiatives will be undertaken to protect canal banks,” he stated during a visit to inspect the re-excavation of the Shubhadhya Canal and Ati Canal, as well as bank protection works on both sides of the canals in Keraniganj. State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad was also present on the occasion.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Anee emphasized that necessary infrastructure will be constructed for canal excavation, development, and conservation. He mentioned that by engaging the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry, initiatives will be taken to prevent canal pollution across the country through modern waste management systems. The minister underscored that canal excavation and recovery are being carried out under ongoing projects, with priority-based projects planned nationwide for canal excavation.
Anee further explained that the work on Shubhadhya and Ati canals in Keraniganj will be completed soon and a second-phase project will be implemented to ensure sustainability, maintain connectivity with rivers, and ensure proper water flow. He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced a programme to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals, ponds, and water bodies across the country over the next five years. The premier also stressed the importance of biodiversity conservation and the formulation of modern waste management strategies.
State Minister Forhad Hossain Azad stated that in line with the government’s election pledge, a programme has been initiated to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals and plant 50 million trees over the next five years. He added that such efforts will ensure irrigation facilities for agriculture, restore navigability of rivers, and eliminate waterlogging.
During the visit, the water resources minister inspected the Khejur Bagh, Jora Bridge, and Chunkutia areas of Shubhadhya Canal, as well as the Joynagar area of Ati Canal. Dhaka-2 lawmaker Aman Ullah Aman, Keraniganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Omar Faruk, and BNP leader Nipun Roy Chowdhury were present.