Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the canal digging program in 54 districts of the country.

On Monday (March 16) at around 12:30 PM, he inaugurated this nationwide program at Balrampur Sahapara, Kaharol, Dinajpur, through re-excavation of 12 km canal. Through this programme, the dead and filled canals of different parts of the country will be re-excavated, so that the irrigation system can be improved and waterlogging can be reduced during the monsoon season. Besides, the government is thinking of strengthening the canal-based economy including fish farming and duck rearing.

Restoration of canals will have a positive impact on irrigation facilities in agricultural land, increased production, reduction of floods and waterlogging, and preservation of local environmental balance. Along with that, experts believe that new momentum will be spread in the rural economy.

After the inauguration, Tarique Rahman joined a rally organized in Khalpara. The rally was organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and Dinajpur District BNP. People from different classes and professions including local leaders and activists, administration officials were present in the rally.

Speakers in the event said that if the Sahapara canal, which has been filled for a long time, is re-excavated, the water drainage system of the area will be improved and irrigation facilities will be increased in the agricultural land.

Local farmers are expected to benefit from this. Rahidul Islam, a resident who came to this event, said that once this canal was very big and wide and was used for various purposes by the people of the area. But with the passage of time, the canal has become almost dead.

He expressed hope that if the canal is re-excavated, the drainage and agriculture of the area will be revived.

Aminul Islam of Kazi Katna village said that the area was severely damaged by the severe floods in 2017. If the canal had been dug then, it would not have suffered so much damage.

Maize, rice, mustard, banana, onion and garlic are cultivated in the vast land across the canal. Re-excavation of the canal will increase irrigation facilities in these agricultural lands and farmers will benefit greatly.

Nazrul Islam of the same area said that agricultural activities in the area are currently largely dependent on underground water. Water has to be pumped through tube wells to irrigate land, which also results in huge wastage of electricity.

And those who do not have tube wells, are forced to draw water using pressure pumps, which is very difficult. If the canal is operational, this suffering of the farmers will be reduced a lot.

Oliur Rahman, member secretary of Kaharol Upazila Volunteer Party, said that martyred President Ziaur Rahman came to dig the canal at Jagannathpur at the end of this period. About 48 years later, his privileged son Prime Minister Tarique Rahman came to dig a canal in this area again.

SOURCE: WSN24 AND NEWS AGENCIES