BWDB re-excavates 60-km derelict river-canals in Rajshahi district

RAJSHAHI, June 30 (BSS): More than 60-km derelict small rivers and canals are being brought under re-excavation aiming at restoring their navigability in the district.

To this end, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) is implementing eight canal re-excavation projects in eight upazilas in the district as part of the government's Delta Plan-2100.

The scheduled works included 8.20 km Nimpara canal in Charghat, 13.5 km Beelbharti canal in Godagari, 11.50 km Beenjoshoi canal in Bagmara, 11.50-km Gangpara canal in Paba, 4.5-km Kashardighi canal in Tanore, 5-km Ratandanga canal in Mohanpur, 800-meter Sadhanpur Bharoilbeel canal in Puthiya and 800-meter Daukandi canal in Durgapur.

BWDB officials revealed this while visiting some of the re-excavated canals and small rivers of Gangpara, Ratandanga, Kashardighi and Beelbharti Khari canals under Paba and Mohanpur upazilas in the district.

Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Water Resources Rokon Ud-Dowla, BWDB Superintending Engineer Amirul Haque Bhuiyan, Executive Engineer Syed Shahidul Alam and Sub-divisional Engineers Asif Ahmed and Mahmudul Hassan were present on the occasion.

While talking to the news agency on the issue, Engineer Amirul Haque Bhuiyan said the entire existing derelict small rivers, canals and other water bodies will be brought under re-excavation in the country's 64 districts simultaneously by 2030 in phases.

Upon successful implementation of the mega project, both surface and underground water and rivers navigability will be enriched. The project will also contribute a lot towards boosting agriculture and fish farming side by side with reducing the adverse impact of flood.