After two decades of neglect and encroachment, Dadna Canal in Daganbhuiyan has been cleared and restored, improving drainage, reducing pollution, and renewing hopes for sustained urban waterway protection.
After more than 20 years of stagnation, the Dadna Canal in Daganbhuiyan(town and paurashava (municipality) in Feni district of Chittagong Division, Bangladesh) has been restored to life, bringing relief to local residents. The canal had been clogged with decades of waste and debris, and nearly one-third of its area had been illegally occupied, blocking the natural flow of water.
Although local authorities reclaimed the encroached land earlier this year, the canal remained choked and largely unusable. Ahead of the recent election, Tajwar M. Auwal, youngest son of Bangladesh’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, initiated a cleanup project and requested the Dhaka-based private organisation Footstep to carry out the work.
The cleanup began but was temporarily suspended due to election regulations. After the election, the effort resumed, and within five days, the accumulated waste was removed, allowing the canal to flow freely once again.
“During my visit to Daganbhuiyan market, I noticed the canal completely blocked. We started the cleanup and completed it after the election. InshaAllah, such efforts will continue in future,” Tajwar said.
Local traders praised the initiative. Jasim Uddin Liton, General Secretary of the Daganbhuiyan Bazar Business Welfare Association, said, “Restoring the canal has been a long-standing demand. We are grateful to Tajwar M. Auwal and hope authorities will ensure it remains protected and regularly maintained.”
Residents hope the revived canal will improve drainage, reduce pollution and enhance the environment, marking a notable success in urban waterway restoration in Bangladesh.
