A 400-year-old historic canal in Mohammadpur Upazila of Magura is gradually losing its identity as influential groups allegedly occupy its land with the help of some dishonest officials and employees of the Water Development Board.
Illegal structures, including houses, shops and other establishments, have been built by occupying government-owned canal land, blocking the natural flow of water. Local residents fear the obstruction could trigger severe waterlogging in several nearby wetlands during the ongoing monsoon season.
The Ramsagar canal, a government-owned water body, flows from the Madhumati River through Ghop Baor, crosses Mohammadpur Upazila headquarters and finally meets Katlashuri Beel.
According to locals, the canal was excavated nearly four centuries ago during the Mughal period by King Sitaram Ray while building his palace in Mohammadpur. The canal was created to strengthen the security of his capital and improve irrigation facilities for agriculture.
For generations, the canal has played a vital role in the livelihoods of local farmers by helping drain water during the rainy season and supplying irrigation water during the dry months.
The canal now stretches through a different reality. Once a lifeline for agriculture, it has turned into a dumping ground for waste. It serves as a crucial drainage route for around 10,000 acres of farmland across at least five wetlands, including Katlashuri Beel.
However, large sections of the canal banks have been occupied at several points, including near the Water Development Board’s sluice gate in Baoijani area. In some places, permanent structures have even been built inside the canal, severely restricting water movement.
Local residents, including Momin Uddin Ahmed, alleged that no effective action has been taken despite the encroachment taking place in front of Water Development Board officials.
They claimed that some officials and local politically influential individuals were allowing the occupation of canal land in exchange for financial benefits. As a result, new buildings continue to emerge, worsening water flow problems and creating risks of waterlogging during monsoon and irrigation shortages in the dry season.
Mohammadpur journalist and environmental activist Salauddin Ahmed Milton said it was unfortunate that the canal was being destroyed through encroachment and pollution.
He alleged that the local administration had recently returned Tk2.20 crore allocated for a canal excavation programme to the government treasury due to its inability to spend the money, while the Ramsagar canal continued to suffer from neglect.
“Waste from the local market is being dumped into the canal, while sewage pipes from nearby houses are also connected to it, causing severe environmental pollution,” he said.
Residents Masuma Parvin and Smriti Begum, among others, demanded immediate eviction of illegal occupiers and restoration of the canal through re-excavation.
They said many people had built homes illegally on canal land with the backing of influential quarters, while no visible steps had been taken by the upazila administration.
Mohammadpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Bedabati Mistry said she had not received any complaint from residents regarding canal encroachment and pollution.
“I have come to know about the issue. I will take necessary steps soon,” she said.
Water Development Board Magura Executive Engineer Sarwar Jahan acknowledged the encroachment and said notices had already been issued to illegal occupiers.
“An eviction drive will be conducted soon with the help of the administration. Canal excavation work can begin only after removing the illegal structures. We have also received a written application from local residents demanding that the canal be freed from encroachment,” he said.
