SATKHIRA, Apr 30: A re-excavation programme of the Kalinchi Canal has commenced in Shyamnagar Upazila of the district to enhance water security, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen climate resilience in one of Bangladesh's most climate-vulnerable regions.
The initiative, supported by Islamic Relief Bangladesh, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday by Shyamnagar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Roni Khatun at a local ceremony.
Also present at the event were Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdullah Al Rifat, Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Miraj Hossain Khan, Country Director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh Talha Jamal, Head of Programmes Enamul Haque, Ramjannagar Union Parishad Panel Chairman Abdul Hamil Laltu, and representatives from the Canal Management Committee.
The project aims to re-excavate the canal at a cost of approximately Tk 30 lakh, funded by Islamic Relief Bangladesh, with an additional Tk 300,000 contributed by the local community for constructing a wooden bridge over the canal.
The Kalinchi Canal, once a vital waterway, will be revived to serve multiple purposes. It is expected to alleviate water scarcity by storing rainwater during the monsoon season; provide irrigation support during dry periods, improve local agricultural yield; mitigate salinity intrusion-a significant concern in the coastal zone; replenish groundwater levels, thus boosting the long-term water table; enhance food security; and climate adaptation for over 10,000 residents in surrounding areas.
Moreover, the construction of the wooden bridge across the canal will improve communication and accessibility between communities on either side, promoting socio-economic activities and connectivity.
