Jhalakathi, Jan 14 (V7N) — The Bahar Nag Canal, a traditional and vital waterway from Bagri Bazar Jame Masjid to Fakirbari in Rajapur Upazila, is on the brink of collapse due to years of neglect, local sources report. Silt accumulation and indiscriminate dumping of waste have almost completely filled the canal, disrupting the natural flow of water and directly affecting thousands of families and vast agricultural lands along its banks.

Hundreds of farmers in the area rely on the canal for irrigation. Local farmers Selim and Maharaj said that with insufficient water in the canal, timely cultivation during the Boro and Aman seasons has become impossible. Many are now leaving their fields uncultivated, resulting in declining agricultural production and mounting financial losses.

Residents also noted that some locals dump rotting animals, household waste, and other garbage into the canal, further polluting the water and spreading foul odors, which pose health risks to the surrounding community.

Khairul Alam and Bashir Mridha, former teachers in the area, said that they have been highlighting the issue for a long time, but no effective action has been taken.

An on-site investigation conducted under the instruction of the upazila administration confirmed the canal’s poor condition. The report from the Upazila Land Office stated that the canal, which covers West Char Baghri and Baghri Mouzas No. 48 and No. 49, is almost entirely silted. Water flow is severely hampered due to accumulated waste at various points. The report recommended that the full stretch from Bagri Bazar Jame Masjid to Fakirbari be urgently cleaned and re-excavated.

Local leaders and community members emphasized the canal’s importance not only for irrigation but also for reducing waterlogging and protecting the environment. They warned that the area suffers more during the rainy season when the canal becomes non-functional, exacerbating public hardship.

The residents have appealed to the government to immediately remove the garbage and restore the canal, hoping that such steps will boost agricultural production, improve public health, and safeguard the environment.

END/SMA/AJ