JHALAKATHI, February 23, (V7N) — The residents of Jhalakathi, one of Bangladesh's oldest first-class municipalities, are seeing a glimmer of hope as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announces the revival of the historic nationwide canal-digging initiative. Environmentalists and locals believe this program could be the last chance to save the city’s 22 historic canals, which are currently on the verge of disappearing due to decades of rampant encroachment and waste dumping.

Established in 1875, Jhalakathi Municipality was once defined by its vibrant network of 22 canals that facilitated trade and maintained a healthy ecosystem. Historically, medium-sized boats traversed these waterways, including the legendary Dhansiri River—a centerpiece of the canal-digging movement led by late President Ziaur Rahman between 1977 and 1981. Today, however, research indicates that only 4 to 5 of these canals show any signs of existence, while the rest have been stifled by illegal commercial structures, shops, and balconies built by land grabbers.

The consequences of this environmental degradation are felt most severely during the monsoon season, when even moderate rainfall triggers intense waterlogging. The city’s sewage system has become largely dysfunctional as the natural drainage outlets are blocked by silt and garbage. Vital waterways, including the Basanda Canal branches, the Food Warehouse canal, and those near the Fire Service and District Jail, are currently in a state of crisis, leaving the "Old Town" vulnerable to stagnation and disease.

Victims and local businessmen have long demanded action, noting that previous seminars and meetings held by authorities rarely translated into field-level implementation. However, the Prime Minister’s recent commitment to re-implementing large-scale excavation projects has energized the community. Environmentalists argue that restoring the flow of these canals is essential not only for urban drainage but also for supporting local farmers who rely on these water sources for irrigation.

Responding to the growing demand, Jhalakathi Municipal Administrator Md. Kausar Hossain confirmed that initiatives are already being drafted to free the waterways from illegal occupation. He noted that while the excavation of seven major canals had recently begun, the work was temporarily suspended due to seasonal transitions. With the new government's backing, the administration plans to resume these operations shortly, aiming to restore the city’s lost heritage and ensure a cleaner, waterlog-free environment for its citizens.

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