Photo: BSS

NAOGAON, Oct 8, 2025 (BSS) - Farmers in Naogaon have cleaned a canal through voluntary labor to eliminate waterlogging, restoring normal water flow. The long-standing suffering of the local people is expected to end, benefiting marginal farmers in particular.

On Wednesday morning, more than fifty people joined in the canal-cleaning programme from Tarta Bridge to Nalghora Paharpur Bridge in Baktarpur union—about two kilometers in length—under the leadership of Al Mamun, president of the Sadar Upazila Krishak Dal. The canal-cleaning work was inaugurated by Sarowar Kamal Chanchal, chairman of Boktarpur Union Parishad.

According to local farmers, the canal stretching from Tarta Bridge to Nalghora Paharpur Bridge had become clogged with water hyacinths and weeds, obstructing drainage. As a result, even slight rainfall would flood the croplands. During the current Aman season, heavy rains in recent days worsened the problem, submerging farmlands and causing significant crop losses. To address this, local residents and members of the Krishak Dal took the initiative to clean the canal voluntarily.

A farmer named Bacchu Hossain said, “The canal had not been cleaned for a long time, causing waterlogging in our fields. That’s why we started cleaning it ourselves.”

Farmers Rafiqul and Indris Ali added, “Thousands of bighas of farmland depend on this canal for irrigation. It’s long been neglected and filled with weeds and water hyacinths. Even a little rain causes flooding, while during the dry season there isn’t enough water. We want this canal to be re-excavated to ensure a smooth water flow. Once functional, it will protect crops from waterlogging and make irrigation easier.”

Sadar Upazila Krishak Dal President Al Mamun said, “We took this initiative to protect farmers from waterlogging and preserve the environment by restoring the canal’s water flow. Many leaders and activists of the Krishak Dal, local farmers, and BNP members participated voluntarily. We hope this effort will help save the crops.”