CUMILLA: Re-excavation of a 3.5-kilometre Kazipara canal has freed 2,000 acres of agricultural land from water-logging and brought smiles on the faces of Chandina farmers.
The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has re-excavated the canal for resolving the longstanding irrigation problem of the upazila's Barera and Mohichail unions.
According to BADC officials, the excavation will resolve the area's drainage of water caused by mainly floods. Moreover, the water stored in the canal can be used for irrigation in the dry season, they pointed out.
Talking to locals, it was learned that the canal was once completely filled as it was not dug for years.
Local MP Dr Pran Gopal Dutt said, "My village house is next to the canal. In my childhood I saw boats plying this canal. But in recent years, the canal became unusable."
"The re-excavation work, however, has now revived the canal," he added.
Farmers are also happy with the re-excavation of the canal.
Ravi Ullah, a farmer from Garamara village, said, "I have one acre of land on the bank of the canal. Since it has been dug, I will now be able to plant crops there with the canal water."
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Supervising Engineer and Project Director, BADC, Cumilla, said, "We hope digging the canal will increase crop production in the area more."
