The history of Bangladesh's agriculture and rural life is fundamentally intertwined with its rivers, canals, and wetlands. However, over time, unplanned management, siltation of water bodies, and the over-extraction of groundwater have severely weakened our natural water systems. Consequently, despite being a riverine nation, the unequal seasonal distribution of water has become a major challenge for our agrarian economy. Bangladesh faces a major water paradox. A massive water surplus occurs during the monsoon season. Between June and September, the country receives 80 per cent of its total annual water. In contrast, the winter months bring a dire water scarcity. Only 20 per cent of the water supply remains for the eight months from October to May. This imbalance leads to significant droughts across the country. Therefore, creating surface water reservoirs is an absolute necessity.
In response to this reality, the new government of Bangladesh has made a visionary declaration to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country over the next five years. This master plan is not merely a physical infrastructure project; it represents a scientific and theoretical transformation of the country's agro-economy, ecological balance, and overall water security, steering Bangladesh toward becoming a climate-resilient nation.
The underlying assumptions of water management through canal excavation are not new to Bangladesh. In the late 1970s, the then government initiated a "silent revolution" through a nationwide canal re-excavation program. Between 1979 and 1981, approximately 3,600 miles (5,800 kms) of canals were excavated, demonstrating how mass participation can create vital surface water reservoirs. This initiative led to unprecedented success in food production and the cultivation of Aman and IRRI rice varieties. History shows that this model significantly reduced the country's dependence on food imports and paved the way for self-sufficiency.
The economic benefits of canal excavation extend far beyond simple irrigation; they create a massive "economic multiplier effect". Utilising canal water can reduce the electricity and diesel costs required for deep tube well pumps by 70-80 per cent. This directly increases the net profit of farmers and strengthens national energy security. Active canals support more than just rice; they enable commercial vegetable farming on banks, fisheries within the water, and local duck rearing. Research indicates that agricultural productivity increases by 15-20 per cent around active waterways. This 20,000 kms undertaking will generate employment for hundreds of thousands, ensuring a flow of capital into the rural economy. This "labour-intensive growth model" builds a sustainable foundation from the grassroots level.
From an environmental science perspective, Bangladesh's current water crisis is defined by "water table depletion". Excessive extraction causes groundwater levels to drop alarmingly every year. Shifting to surface water is the only viable escape from this catastrophe. Canals act as "linear reservoirs". When rainwater is retained in canals, the pressure and porosity of the upper soil layers allow water to naturally percolate downward, enriching the groundwater level through a natural filtration process. Through evaporation, canals regulate local temperatures and slow down the process of desertification. In coastal regions, these canals serve as freshwater reservoirs, preventing the intrusion of saline water into agricultural land.
The Barind region, often associated with parched earth and water scarcity, serves as a harsh reminder of climate change's reality. To address this, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) is currently implementing the ECCCP-Drought project, financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).The GCF, the world's largest source of climate finance under UNFCCC mechanisms, has provided grants for this project, recognising canal-based water management as an effective method for climate adaptation. Under this project, more than 500 km of canals and 600 ponds are being re-excavated across Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj districts, the most water-stressed in the country.
Executing a 20,000 km goal is a challenge too great for the government to handle alone in a short period. This is where the experience and capacity of state institutions like PKSF and its partner NGOs become crucial. PKSF works through experienced NGOs with a long history of community mobilisation and strong linkages at the local level.
Local community participation is essential for the post-excavation maintenance and equitable distribution of water. By leveraging the capabilities of the NGO sector, the government can accelerate project implementation. Furthermore, as a GCF Accredited Entity, PKSF has proven its ability to bring in international climate finance. With continued policy support, PKSF can attract larger volumes of international funding and technical assistance, reducing the burden on the national exchequer while ensuring projects meet global standards.
Canal excavation is not just about infrastructure; it is a holistic strategy for food security, climate resilience, and rural rejuvenation. To bring smiles to the faces of farmers and halt desertification, there is no alternative to canals. As Bangladesh moves toward a sustainable water management endeavor, PKSF is committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with the government. This synergy between state initiatives and the private/NGO sector is the key to turning the 20,000 km dream into a reality for future generations.
Dr. AKM Nuruzzaman, Senior General Manager& Head of Resilience & Risk Management Department (RRMD), PKSF
Md. Fozla Hossain, Manager (RRMD)
& Project Coordinator, ECCCP-Drought
Project, PKSF