Rangpur, Nov 12, (V7N) – Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, MP, said Thursday that an initiative has been launched to re-excavate the country's abandoned canals and develop them for multipurpose use.
As part of this initiative, 30 canals in eight districts have been designated as "model canals" this year. The Mahendranagar canal in Lalmonirhat is one of them. "The Prime Minister will inaugurate this canal excavation programme on November 19," he said.
The Minister said this while briefing journalists after inspecting the model canal in Mahendranagar Union under Sadar upazila of Lalmonirhat district, according to a PID press release.
The Minister said that the canal excavation programme has been intensified since last year. Under the model canal initiative, the focus extends beyond mere water drainage and storage. "The goal is to ensure the multipurpose utility of these model canals. Plans include planting trees along the canal banks, as well as engaging in fish farming and duck rearing," he said.
Highlighting that the programme also prioritises the creation of employment opportunities centring on these canals, the Minister explained that cooperative societies, each consisting of 20 members from the ultra-poor population, will be formed. "Members of these cooperative societies will serve as guardians of the canals and will be formally engaged through agreements to manage fish farming, duck rearing and the care of the planted trees, thereby creating employment for them," he said.
He said that the Mahendranagar Model Canal spans approximately 15 kilometres, originating in Mahendranagar under Sadar upazila of Lalmonirhat and eventually merging with the Teesta River.
Regarding the Prime Minister's November 19 visit, the Minister said that his itinerary includes a visit to the "Aviation and Aerospace University, Bangladesh" in Lalmonirhat, as well as an inspection of the "Alokita Lalmonirhat" initiative. "The Prime Minister intends to personally observe the progress of this social movement, the 'Alokita Lalmonirhat', which aims to make the region crime-free through active public participation," he said.
Furthermore, the Minister said that during his visit to Lalmonirhat on November 19, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a disaster-resilient house constructed under the auspices of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. "Such houses are being built for families who own between two and 10 decimals of land," he said.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Rashedul Haque Prodhan, Zila Parishad Administrator A K M Mominul Haque, and other relevant officials and leaders were present on the occasion.
END/AJ/RH
