Batiaghata farmers seek cancellation of 8 canals lease

Local farmers and residents have urged the Khulna district administration to cancel the leases of eight canals in Batiaghata upazila and declare them open public water bodies, citing their vital role in agriculture, drainage, and local livelihoods.

The demand was raised during a public hearing held at the Khulna Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Wednesday.

Representatives of Lokoj and Maitree Krishak Federation said the Amtala, Kharia, Botbunia, Barakhali, Chhoto Kharia, Mora Kharia, Gondhamari, and Batiaghata canals lie within the coastal embankment system and are connected to sluice gates, making them essential for draining water from nearly 45,000 acres of farmland. They claimed that around 90 percent of the local population depends directly or indirectly on these waterways.

Khulna Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat assured participants that the administration would examine the matter and take necessary steps to address their concerns.

The speakers alleged that leasing the canals in the past had led to saline water intrusion, prolonged waterlogging, and severe damage to agriculture and the local environment. Since 2006, residents have consistently demanded that the canals remain open for public use, a position they said has also been supported by several government inquiries.

They further alleged that ongoing efforts to lease the Amtala and Kharia rivers, along with other canals, violate existing fisheries and public water body management policies.

The participants called for the immediate cancellation of the leasing process, restoration of free public access, and removal of illegal encroachments.

Among those present at the hearing were local farmers, community leaders, and representatives of civil society organisations.