Canal Re-Excavation and Environmental Project Launched in Gazipur
The re-excavation, beautification, and environmental conservation work of the Gacha Canal in Gazipur has been inaugurated as part of the nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme outlined in the current government’s election manifesto.
On Monday, 16 March, Minister for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapan, inaugurated the canal re-excavation work as the chief guest at a ceremony held at Nimtoli Balur Math in Ward No. 47 of Gazipur City Corporation.
Speaking at the event, the minister said that canal re-excavation is extremely important for the country’s environmental protection and agricultural development. He noted that, under the direction of the Prime Minister, canal excavation programmes are being implemented in about 54 districts across the country. He added that the initiative was originally launched by martyred President Ziaur Rahman and later revived by Khaleda Zia.
Fakir Mahbub Anam said Gazipur has now become an important part of the Dhaka metropolitan region. Therefore, he stressed the need to prevent encroachment and pollution of canals and rivers in order to maintain normal water flow and protect the environment. He also called on industrial factories to ensure proper waste management by installing Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP).
The minister further said that merely initiating canal excavation would not be enough; regular maintenance, greening, and the development of tourism potential must also be prioritized. He added that coordinated efforts from local administrations, public representatives, and the general public are necessary to achieve these goals.
At the end of his speech, the minister urged the administration, public representatives, and local residents to work together for the successful implementation of the programme and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of the country and its people.
As a special guest, Member of Parliament for Gazipur-2, M Manjurul Karim Rony, said the re-excavation of the important Gacha Canal in the Tongi-Gacha area of Gazipur would play a significant role in reducing waterlogging and promoting agricultural development. He added that the government has launched a nationwide programme to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals to ensure the protection of agriculture and the environment.
M Manjurul Karim Rony also said that the administration would take measures to prevent canal encroachment and pollution, and that a tree plantation programme would be implemented along both sides of the canal. He also called on the public to remain aware and proactive in protecting canals and the environment.
After the inauguration, the minister planted trees along the bank of the canal.
The event was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Gazipur, Sohel Rana. Among those present were Administrator of Gazipur City Corporation Md. Shawkat Hossain Sarkar; Managing Director of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust, Gazi Md. Wali-ul-Haq; Director General of the Water Resources Planning Organization, Mohammad Lutfur Rahman; the Additional Superintendent of Police of Gazipur District; senior officials of the local administration; and local public representatives.
DBTech/ZU/EK/OR
