NABAPALLAB: revitalization of canals launched in Mongla, boosting rural dev and agriculture

A UK-funded canal restoration project in Mongla will re-excavate 8.34 km of waterways to improve irrigation, reduce flooding, strengthen climate resilience, and support agriculture and biodiversity.

A major canal restoration project has officially been launched in Mongla Upazila of Bagerhat District as part of efforts to strengthen rural development agricultural productivity and climate resilience. The project is funded by the UK Government’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office under the CARE-led NABAPALLAB Project, Nature-Based Adaptation towards Prosperous and Adept Lives and Livelihoods in Bangladesh, which aims to enhance climate resilience and biodiversity.

The program involves the re-excavation of four canals totaling 8.34 kilometers near Madurpalta Bazar Bridge in Mithakhali Union. The project’s budget is approximately BDT 5.967 million, around USD 68,000, and it is scheduled for completion by March 25, 2026. The restored canals will support irrigation reduce waterlogging enhance local agriculture mitigate flooding and promote biodiversity, benefiting farmers and surrounding communities.

The inauguration ceremony, held on Saturday February 28, was presided over by Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam State Minister for Environment Forests and Climate Change. He highlighted the legacy of Bangladesh’s late President Ziaur Rahman who initiated canal excavation programs to promote rural development and agricultural revitalization. “His visionary approach to water management remains critical for Bangladesh today,” Dr. Islam said.

He also urged citizens to safeguard land and waterways for future generations to ensure a habitable and productive environment.

The ceremony was chaired by Mongla Upazila Executive Officer Sharmin Akter Sumi and attended by local officials and dignitaries including ASP Refatul Islam Senior Fisheries Officer Z. Hossain Acting Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Shahinur Rahman local project committee president Molla Safarul Haidar Sujon BNP Upazila President Abdul Mannan Hawladar and representatives from the Pashur River Waterkeeper and the CNRS coordination team.

Local farmers welcomed the project. “The canal restoration will help our crops survive during heavy rains and ensure water reaches our fields,” said local farmer Alom Gazi.

Environmental advocates also noted that well-managed canals can improve water quality protect biodiversity support climate adaptation and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby villages.

By combining infrastructure improvement with environmental stewardship the Mongla canal restoration project serves as a model for integrating rural development climate adaptation and international cooperation in Bangladesh.

The canal restoration project is part of a broader nationwide initiative. Over the next five years the Bangladesh government plans to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals and plant 25 million trees to improve rural infrastructure strengthen flood mitigation and enhance climate adaptation. Experts say such initiatives are crucial as Bangladesh faces growing risks from climate change including sea level rise waterlogging and stress on agriculture.