Kalighat sluice gate in Dumuria upazila of Khulna. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Aug 25, 2025 (BSS) - Authorities have opened the Kalighat sluice gate in Dumuria upazila of Khulna to ease severe waterlogging in Beel Dakatia and adjoining areas.

Hundreds of villagers from Rangpur, Rudaghora, Raghunathpur, Lata union under Dumuria, and nearby Fulltala upazilas joined voluntary efforts on Monday to clear water hyacinths and remove blockages obstructing natural water flow in canals.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Dumuria Aprotim Kumar Chakraborty, also convener of the Water Drainage Committee, along with Water Development Board (WDB) Sub-Divisional Engineer Md Atikur Rahman and other committee members, supervised the activities.

The Mayur River is now being used as an alternative outlet for drainage from Beel Dakatia. After opening the sluice gates, water from the beel can now flow into the Shailmari River.

Authorities have been operating two high-capacity submersible pumps to reduce waterlogging. But due to heavy rains this year, vast areas of Dumuria and Fulltala were submerged, leaving thousands of families watelogged for nearly two months. 

Talking to BSS, committee member Prof GM Aman Ullah said clearing water hyacinths from Kalighat sluice to Lata Bridge has improved water flow significantly. He added that illegal fishing nets blocking canals will be removed within two days. 

After a day-long cleanup, the sluice gates were partially opened on Monday afternoon.

"Large-scale water discharge has begun, and the process will continue round the clock," said WDB's Md Atikur Rahman, adding that eviction drives against illegal obstructions would also continue. 

Earlier, on August 22, WDB Director General Engr Md Enayet Ullah visited Beel Dakatia and announced a government feasibility study for a long-term solution.

The study includes dredging of the Shailmari River, excavation of 24 canals, and integration with ongoing projects to mitigate waterlogging in Bhobodah and adjoining areas.

WDB Chief Engineer Md Aminul Islam confirmed that the Kalighat sluice was opened as per the DG's directive.

Waterlogging has been a recurring crisis in Beel Dakatia since 1988. Over the past two years, the situation has worsened, affecting nearly 30,000 families in Dumuria and Fulltala. Several ongoing and proposed projects - including dredging, pump installation, and canal excavation - aim to ensure a lasting solution.