Boiragir Khal re-excavation begins in Rajshahi, 20,000 families to benefit

Re-excavation work on the Boiragir Khal in Parila Union under Paba Upazila began today (7 May), raising hopes among local farmers for improved irrigation, higher crop production and relief from waterlogging.

Member of Parliament for Rajshahi-3 constituency, Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, inaugurated the work by unveiling a plaque and cutting the soil.

Paba Upazila BNP Convener Ali Hossain, Member Secretary Abdur Razzak and Joint Convener Sultan Ahmed symbolically carried soil in baskets at the inaugural ceremony.

Local representatives, administrative officials, farmers and prominent community members were present.

Officials said the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has undertaken a programme to excavate, re-excavate and renovate around 7,000 kilometres of canals across 64 districts during the 2025-30 fiscal period as part of implementing the government's election pledges.

Under the programme, a list of nearly 1,500 kilometres of canals has been finalised for the current fiscal year. As part of the initiative, a three-kilometre stretch of Boiragir Khal from Jalil's brick kiln to Foliar Beel is being re-excavated at a cost of Tk12.95 million.

According to the Paba Upazila Project Implementation Officer's office, water from the canal will flow through Foliar Beel into the Hoja River in neighbouring Durgapur Upazila after completion of the work.

The project is expected to improve drainage from farmland, increase irrigation facilities during the dry season and benefit around 20,000 families in the area.

Speaking at the function as the chief guest, MP Milon said canal re-excavation was essential for protecting agriculture, farmers and the rural economy.

"Farmers have long been suffering from irrigation shortages, waterlogging and drainage problems due to silted canals. Re-excavation of Boiragir Khal will bring new life to agriculture in this region," he said.

He said the government was implementing development projects aimed at delivering practical benefits to people.

"If farmers survive, the country survives. Activities like canal re-excavation are vital for strengthening agriculture and water management," he added.

The lawmaker said the project would ensure quick drainage of rainwater during the monsoon, reduce crop losses, protect soil fertility and create opportunities for multiple cropping.

He also noted that the canal would contribute to fisheries development and ecological balance.

The programme was chaired by Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Ibnul Abedin.

He said the canal was directly linked to local agriculture and public life, adding that re-excavation would restore normal water flow, improve irrigation and significantly reduce waterlogging.

"The upazila administration will regularly monitor the work to ensure quality and transparency," he said.

The UNO also stressed the need for public cooperation to prevent future encroachment, filling and pollution of the canal.

A monitoring committee has been formed at the upazila level with UNO, Md Ibnul Abedin, as convener and Upazila Project Implementation Officer, Md Mahmudul Islam, as member secretary.

Other members of the committee include Upazila Agriculture Officer MA Mannan, Upazila Engineer Mokbul Hossain and Parila Union Parishad Chairman Sayeed Ali.

Local farmer Kadam Ali said Boiragir Khal had once been the main source of irrigation water for the area, but years of silt accumulation blocked the flow, causing severe waterlogging during the monsoon and water shortages in the dry season.

Another farmer, Muntaj Ali, said re-excavation of the canal would boost cultivation of boro, aman and vegetables and bring previously uncultivable land under farming.

Parila Union Parishad Chairman Sayeed Ali said the project would help reduce waterlogging, minimise damage to roads and houses and improve the environment.

He also emphasised the importance of regular maintenance after completion of the excavation work.

Upazila Project Implementation Officer, Md Mahmudul Islam expressed hope that the project would bring significant improvement to agriculture in Paba through enhanced irrigation, water conservation, reduced waterlogging and increased crop production.