The existence of an irrigation canal of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in Kaliganj town of Jhenidah is going to be abolished as the unscrupulous people have been occupying the canal beds and surrounding areas.
The grabbers have been constructing brick buildings and other heavy structures on the canal known as Paramanikpararkhal at Arpara area which has been hampering smooth irrigation water supply to croplands during the season. On the other hand, a part of the town goes under water as the excessive rain water cannot be discharged from the canal to the local Chitra River.
Negligence of Jhenidah BWDB authorities was mainly liable for the situation. Locals demanded steps to save the canal.
Locals said that the irrigation water was supplied to the croplands through the canal dug by the BWDB. Excessive rain water was being discharged to the river. Further, wastes from Mobarakganj sugar mills were being thrown to the river using the canal.
But the canal turned to be a dead one when the influential persons have started constructing brick houses occupying the canal banks. They also constructed other heavy establishments including business establishments there. The weeds and jungles have made the canal invisible.
A member of Jhenidah Zilla Parishad Jahangir Hossain Sohel said the 25-30 feet canal is almost invisible from far as the occupiers have constructed establishments ignoring the government rules. Zilla Parishad, Upazila Administration, Municipality and people from all walks of life should play active role to evict the illegal grabbers, he added.
Kaliganj Municipality Mayor Asharful Alam said he would start eviction of the occupiers for smooth irrigation water supply and remove the water stagnant problems in the monsoon due to canal grabbing.
