‘Canals to be reclaimed from illegal occupants’

Staff Reporter :

Water Resources minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Wednesday said that efforts will be made to reclaim canals from illegal occupants, along with measures to protect their banks through tree planting and beautification projects.

“Through ongoing projects, canals are being dredged and restored. Priority will be given to canal excavation projects across the country,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while inspecting the re-excavation and bank protection works of the Shubhadya and Ati canals in Keraniganj.

State Minister for Water Resources Ministry, Forhad Hossain Azad, was also present there.
The work on the Shubhadya and Ati canals will be completed soon and in a second phase, additional projects will be implemented to ensure sustainability, proper water flow and river connectivity, he said.

The government will take initiatives nationwide to prevent canal pollution by constructing necessary infrastructure, modernizing waste management, and engaging the Local Government Ministry in canal development and maintenance, he added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has set a five-year target to excavate and restore 20,000 kilometers of canals, ponds and water bodies nationwide, said the minister.

He also emphasised biodiversity conservation and proper, modern waste management practices.
State Minister Forhad said that under the government’s electoral commitments, 20,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated and five million trees will be planted in the next five years.

The canal dredging and restoration will improve irrigation for agriculture, restore river navigability and reduce waterlogging, said Forhad.

During the visit, Minister Annie inspected areas along Shubhadya Canal, including Khejurbag, Jorabreez, Chunkutia and Ati Canal near Joynagar.