DINAJPUR, Feb 27, (V7N) – State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad said today that under the government’s river, canal and waterbody re-excavation programme, an initiative has been taken to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country.  

He made the remarks while briefing journalists after visiting an approximately 12-kilometre-long canal in the Balarampur Shahapara area of Kaharol upazila.  

Forhad said once the canal in Kaharol upazila is excavated, about 6,000 bighas of land will come under improved irrigation facility, boosting agricultural output and directly benefiting farmers.  

He noted that in the past there had been a lack of coordination among ministries regarding river and canal excavation. Recently, a coordination meeting involving multiple ministries was held, and a decision was taken to form a team to work in an integrated manner. Plans have also been taken to adopt measures such as tree plantation along canal banks to prevent re-excavated canals from silting up again.  

The state minister said the initiative continues in line with the programme undertaken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman through canal excavation. He expressed hope that the effort would play an important role in addressing climate change impacts and meeting water demand for agriculture.  

Dinajpur-1 lawmaker Md. Manjurul Islam, Executive Engineer of Dinajpur Water Development Board Faruk Ahmed, Kaharol Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mokleda Khatun Mim, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Moniruzzaman, Kaharol Upazila BNP leader and former Upazila Chairman Mamunur Rashid were present, among others.  

END/DJ/RH