‘Canal excavation to end floods, droughts’

Canal excavation has created new hope among rural communities, with local people enthusiastically participating in the initiative, said Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu.

Speaking at a public gathering on Wednesday while inspecting the re-excavation work of the Chandrakhali Canal in Saturia Upazila of Manikganj, the minister said the restored canals would play a significant role in improving agriculture, fisheries, and water management.

“Water from the canals will be used for paddy cultivation during the dry season, fish farming will be possible in the canals, trees will be planted along the canal banks, and proper drainage through the canals will help eliminate waterlogging. In short, it can be said that if canals are excavated, floods and droughts will be eliminated,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the minister visited the excavation work of the Konabari Canal in Shibalaya Upazila and planted a palm sapling on the canal bank. He later exchanged views with local journalists.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, MP, and S. A. Jinnah Kabir, MP, also addressed the gathering.

Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Najmun Ara Sultana, along with officials from the district and upazila administrations, as well as local political leaders, were present during the inspection and public meeting.