Jhalokathi, July 23 (V7N) — The re-excavation of several canals in Rajapur upazila of Jhalokathi has restored natural water flow, bringing new hope to agriculture, fisheries and rural livelihoods. More than 24,000 people are expected to benefit from the initiative.

For years, many canals in the area had become filled with silt, waste and sediment, disrupting water flow. During the rainy season, waterlogging damaged crops, while farmers faced severe irrigation shortages during the dry season.

To address the problem, five important canals in Rajapur have been re-excavated under the government’s “Development of Ponds and Canals Across the Country” (IPCP) and “Climate and Disaster Resilient Water Resource Management” projects.

According to the Upazila Engineering Department, around seven kilometres of the Dhanshiri-Pingri-Kathakhali canal, stretching from the Dhanshiri River through Pingri to Kathakhali in Shuktagarh Union, were re-excavated at a cost of Tk 1.25 crore. Around 5,000 people are expected to benefit from the project.

An 800-metre section of the North Tarabunia canal in Saturia Union was re-excavated at a cost of Tk 16 lakh, benefiting around 3,500 people.

The 1,200-metre Morichbunia canal in Rajapur Sadar Union was restored at a cost of Tk 14.13 lakh, benefiting around 12,050 people.

The 2,900-metre Tulatoli canal was re-excavated at a cost of Tk 34.40 lakh, benefiting about 2,500 people, while the 1,200-metre Raribari canal was restored at a cost of Tk 14.05 lakh, benefiting around 1,400 people.

Officials said the combined projects have directly benefited more than 24,000 residents.

The impact of the canal restoration has extended beyond agriculture. Improved water flow has created better habitats for native fish species, eased water shortages for household use and improved rural communication through better access along canal banks.

Local farmers Ripon Sikdar, Kader Sikdar and Karim said irrigation had become a major challenge when the canals dried up. They expressed hope that improved water availability would increase production of rice and other crops.

Residents Shikharani, Monika Roy and Shefali Begum said water shortages for daily activities such as cooking and bathing had been a regular problem due to the filled-up canals. They said the re-excavation has reduced their difficulties significantly.

Experts said restoring natural canal flow helps recharge groundwater, protect biodiversity, create fish habitats and reduce waterlogging, contributing to stronger rural economies.

However, locals stressed the need for regular maintenance to prevent the canals from becoming clogged again in the future.

Rajapur Upazila Engineer Abhijit Majumder said the canals were excavated following government guidelines. He said the projects would improve agricultural systems, reduce waterlogging, increase crop production and enhance the quality of life for local people.

He added that the Dhanshiri-Pingri-Kathakhali, North Tarabunia, Tulatoli, Raribari and Morichbunia canals had been completed under the IPCP and climate-resilient water management projects.

Once seen as a source of hardship, the restored canals are now becoming symbols of hope for farmers and residents. Officials said continued maintenance could ensure their long-term contribution to agriculture, the environment, fisheries and the rural economy.

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