Government plans 20 model canals to boost livelihoods, forestry and resilience
The government has taken an innovative initiative to transform government-owned canals and other water bodies into long-term resources through re-excavation, rather than using them solely for drainage. The initiative aims to protect the environment, promote social forestry, create disaster-resilient livelihoods and generate employment opportunities for ultra-poor families.
Under the concept of “Not Just Canal Excavation, but Multifaceted Use of Excavated Canals,” the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has planned to launch a pilot “Model Canal” programme in 20 selected government-owned canals across eight divisions of the country. An estimated 2,400 ultra-poor families are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the new programme in Lalmonirhat on November 19, according to information from the ministry.
Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Asadul Habib Dulu told BSS that although Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had launched a nationwide canal excavation campaign, many canals had gradually become silted up due to neglect and illegal encroachment during the tenure of the previous fascist government.
According to the BNP's election manifesto, a programme to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country is being implemented through the joint efforts of four government ministries, with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief responsible for excavating 7,000 kilometres. “In the last fiscal year, we completed 1,200 kilometres of our target,” he added.
The minister further said, “We want to ensure that these canals are used for more than just drainage by creating opportunities for tree planting along canal banks, duck and fish farming in the water, and the development of cottage industries. To this end, we have taken the initiative to introduce the concept of the 'Model Canal' programme.”
A review of the concept paper shows that, alongside the ongoing programme to re-excavate rivers, streams and canals, the initiative offers a new opportunity to make planned use of these government-owned water resources while supporting the national target of planting 25 crore trees across the country.
The initiative aims to promote social forestry along canal banks, duck and fish farming, seasonal vegetable cultivation and lawful public use of canal areas, while preserving the water-retention capacity and natural flow of the canals. It also seeks to support navigation, improve livelihoods and create employment opportunities for ultra-poor families.
At the same time, the strategy aims to gradually make people self-reliant through productive livelihood opportunities rather than leaving their long-term social security dependent solely on aid or allowances. It also seeks to ensure a disaster-resilient economic transformation.
Dulu said the programme would be implemented in accordance with the Environmental Conservation Act and the Water Body Management Policy, while respecting the existing legal, administrative and technical jurisdictions of the relevant government ministries and institutions.
In line with the government's election commitment to expand irrigation facilities on agricultural land, conserve water resources and accelerate agricultural production, the excavation and re-excavation of 20,000 kilometres of rivers, streams and canals, along with other water bodies, is being undertaken over the next five years. Following the “Voluntary Canal Excavation Programme” introduced by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, efforts to restore the country's lost rivers, canals and natural water flows through public participation are continuing.
