Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian said waterlogging in parts of the district persists even after light rain because canals have been encroached on and used for waste dumping, making restoration and re-excavation critical.
He said a nationwide programme aims to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years, with work on 63 canals in 54 districts set to begin together on March 16. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to launch the programme at Shahpara Canal in Kaharole upazila of Dinajpur on the same day.
In Chattogram, the drive will start at Bamansundar Canal in Mirsharai upazila, where the 24-kilometre waterway is surrounded by nearly 15,000 hectares of farmland. The deputy commissioner said water scarcity has long constrained cultivation there and that the work is expected to bring about 5,000 hectares of new land under farming. An initial 3 kilometres will be excavated with voluntary labour.
He said deeper canals would improve irrigation, support fish habitats and strengthen both agriculture and fisheries. The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation will implement the programme.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin are expected to attend the March 16 event alongside lawmakers and officials.
