7-Km Canal Re-Excavation Revives Farming and Fishing in Jhalakathi

Farmers in Jhalakathi’s Rajapur upazila are looking forward to improved agricultural yields following the successful re-excavation of five local canals spanning seven kilometers.

For years, silt accumulation and illegal encroachment had choked the Shuktaghar, Pingri, and Kathakhali canals. This blockage caused severe waterlogging during the monsoons and acute irrigation shortages during the dry season, disrupting both farming and daily household activities.

Implemented at a cost of Tk 1.25 crore, the re-excavation project has successfully restored natural water flow. The initiative falls under the government's Nationwide Pond and Canal Development Project and the Climate and Disaster Resilient Water Resources Management Project.

The restoration directly benefits around 24,000 residents across several unions. With the return of steady water flow, farmers now have reliable irrigation access, which is expected to significantly boost local crop production, particularly rice. Additionally, the revived canals have led to a resurgence of native fish species, creating new income opportunities for local fishermen.

Rajapur Upazila LGED Engineer Abhijit Majumdar confirmed that the excavation was completed strictly according to government guidelines.

"This project provides immediate relief to the residents and farmers living along the canals" Majumdar said. "It will increase agricultural output and help restore the area's overall financial well-being."

Beyond agriculture, the revived waterways are expected to enhance rural connectivity and positively impact the local environment and transforming a long-standing public burden into a vital economic asset.