In a notable instance of cost efficiency the Baliakandi upazila administration in Rajbari has returned over Tk 17 lakh in unspent project funds to the government treasury following the successful re-excavation of two local canals.
The two projects spanning a total of six kilometers across Jungle and Jamalpur unions, received an initial allocation of Tk 1.28 crore. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Chowdhury Mustafizur Rahman confirmed that the Tk 17,13,650 surplus was deposited back to the state after completing the excavation strictly to prescribed quality standards.
The six-week initiative which concluded on June 22 was designed to alleviate severe monsoon waterlogging and expand irrigation access for surrounding agricultural lands. Alongside the excavation, 3,400 trees were planted along the canal banks, directly benefiting nearly 300 local residents.
Jungle Union Chairman Kallol Kumar Basu noted that the excavation is already easing waterlogging in nearby villages allowing farmers to cultivate crops like paddy jute onions and garlic on schedule. Local farmers are optimistic that the restored navigability will increase their capacity for multi-crop production.
Furthermore Upazila Project Implementation Officer Kohinur Jahan stated that proposals for additional canal excavations have been submitted to relevant departments. If implemented, these future initiatives could generate an estimated Tk 700 crore in annual agricultural benefits for the region.
