Rajapur (Jhalakati) Correspondent

One of the great initiatives of the government is the canal excavation programme. through which it is possible to develop the country's agricultural system, ensure irrigation facilities, and bring about an agricultural revolution by reviving the dying canals, said Russel Sabrin, Joint Secretary and Director (Relief) of the Bangladesh Disaster Management Department.

He made these remarks while inspecting the work of the four-kilometer canal re-excavation project implemented under the Relief and Disaster Management Project in Rajapur Upazila of Jhalakathi on Saturday afternoon.

During the visit, he visited the canal re-excavation project area from Bhatkathi to Adhakhola area of Baraiya union of the upazila and from Fakir Hat area of Chhota Kaibartkhali to Bara Kaibartkhali of Rajapur Sadar union. During this time, he inquired in detail about the progress of the excavation activities, the quality of the work and the potential benefits of the project. According to project-related sources, more than 1 crore 3 lakh taka has been spent on the four-kilometer canal re-excavation work under the relief and disaster management project.

Joint Secretary Russel.Sabrin said, "The government wants to reactivate the country's dried-up and dying canals. As a result, farmers will get sufficient water for irrigation and agricultural production will increase further. The canal digging program will play an important role in the country's agricultural development."

He further said, "A plan has been taken to plant tree saplings on both banks of the canal under the project. The local people should consider these trees as their own assets and come forward to take care of them. Only those whose land the trees will be planted next to will benefit from it. The government has already planned to plant 250 million tree saplings in 5 years."

Highlighting his experience of inspecting projects in various districts of Barisal division, he said, "I have inspected projects in Barisal, Barguna, Patuakhali and Jhalakathi districts over the past few days. Tree planting work has not started in some places yet, but overall the quality of work is satisfactory. If any irregularities or complaints are found, strict legal action will be taken against those concerned."

Present at the time were Rajapur Upazila Executive Officer Rifat Ara Maury, Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Shamim Reza Sajeeb, Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Shafiul Bashar, Upazila Jubo Dal Joint Convener Zakir Molla, Baraiya Union Panel Chairman Mosa. Maksuda Akhter, Rajapur Sadar Union Panel Chairman Al Amin, UP members Md. Delwar Hossain and Md. Badsha Bepari, and local elite.

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