Dams removed in Morelganj, freeing 5 villages from decade-long waterlogging

An executive magistrate has removed a series of illegal dams spanning a four-kilometer stretch in Morelganj upazila, Bagerhat, restoring natural water flow and relieving thousands of residents from a decade-long waterlogging crisis.

Executive Magistrate and Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Atish Sarkar led the drive on Thursday (June 11), dismantling the structures built across the Shubraatkati area in Panchakaran Union. Locals joined officials, including Teligati Union Land Officer Bishnu Pad Das and Surveyor Anwar Hossain, in clearing the obstructions.

Local influential individuals had blocked the water flow for the last 10 to 12 years to run commercial fish farms, severely impacting regional agriculture. Following the removal of these dams, approximately 300 bighas of cropland across five villages—including Mistri village—will be reclaimed for double-cropping, restoring livelihoods for thousands of local farmers.