Lakshmipur: Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee announced today that the government will persist with the dredging and re-excavation of canals to combat water logging, boost agricultural production, and protect the environment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks while inaugurating the re-excavation of the Rajapur-Debinagar canal at Uttar Joypur union under Lakshmipur Sadar upazila. He emphasized that the dredging of rivers, canals, and water bodies would enhance water flow, provide irrigation during dry seasons, and increase fish production. He reiterated that continued canal excavation would help eliminate water logging, expand cultivation, and preserve nature.
The minister highlighted the benefits of the project, stating that re-excavating the Rajapur-Debinagar canal would provide irrigation support to local farmers and protect residents from water-logging during floods. He added that tree plantations along both sides of the canal would safeguard the environment and that involving local people in excavation work has created employment opportunities.
He further mentioned that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman initiated an agricultural revolution through canal excavation, and under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, a new revolution in agriculture would be achieved through similar initiatives. Canal excavation and re-excavation have already commenced in 54 districts in the first phase.
The minister disclosed that the government aims to excavate 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals over the next five years. Under the Employment Generation Programme for the Poorest (EGPP) of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, around 9 kilometers of the Rajapur-Debinagar canal are being re-excavated at a cost of Taka 21.5 million. Additionally, he inaugurated another canal re-excavation project stretching 6.62 kilometers from Mora Meghna to Char Martin in Lakshmipur Sadar upazila at a cost of Taka 18.5 million.
The event was presided over by Lakshmipur Deputy Commissioner SM Mehdi Hasan, with Additional Superintendent of Police Hossain Md. Raihan Kazmi, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kathoaiyapru Marma, and Bangladesh Football Federation Vice President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy present as special guests.