Canal excavation vital for agriculture and economy: Minister Abdul Awal Mintu

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Abdul Awal Mintu has said that excavating canals is essential to boost agricultural production and strengthen the country’s irrigation system.

Speaking at the inauguration of the re-excavation of the Dadna Canal in Yakubpur Union of Daganbhuyan Upazila in Feni District on Sunday (March 16), he said climate change is gradually lowering groundwater levels, making it harder to extract water for irrigation.

“If canals are not restored, waterlogging will increase and flood risks will rise,” he said. “Proper water flow is essential for agriculture, and canal excavation is one of the most effective ways to ensure that.”

Mintu stressed the need to identify and demarcate canals, clear encroachments and reconnect them with nearby rivers to restore natural water flow. He said improving the irrigation system through canal restoration would help increase agricultural productivity.

The programme was organised by the Feni District Administration and implemented by the Department of Agricultural Extension as part of a nationwide initiative to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and reservoirs.

The event was chaired by Monira Haque, Deputy Commissioner of Feni, and moderated by Imam Hossain, an assistant teacher of Atartuk Government Model High School.

Among the special guests were Shafiqul Islam, Superintendent of Police of Feni; Nur Nabi, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation; and Atiqul Islam, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Feni.

Also present were Akbar Hossain, convener of BNP in Daganbhuyan Upazila; Shahidul Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Daganbhuyan; and Faizul Azim Noman, officer-in-charge of the local police station, along with political leaders, activists and local residents.

The project involves re-excavation of a seven-kilometre stretch of the Dadna Canal. Local residents said the initiative fulfils a long-standing demand and is expected to improve irrigation and reduce waterlogging in the area.