Re-digging of self-sustaining canals in Kalapara after 45 years brings relief to thousands of farmers .

Kalapara (Patuakhali) Correspondent. Re-examination of self-supporting canal from Haripara to Budhpara running through Baliatali-Mithaganj two unions of Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali has been completed and the farmers are relieved. On Friday, it was found that the canal has come back to life after 45 years. Water flow has started again in the almost dead canal. Local farmers are seeing new hope in this. At the same time, the locals expect the economic activities in the surrounding commercial centers including Balitali market to be more dynamic.  Meanwhile, after the excavation of the canal, fruit and forest trees have been planted on both banks and the view has been improved with red and green plastic fences. According to the office of the Upazila Project Implementation Officer, the total length of the excavated canal is 1450 meters, the surface of the canal is 22 meters, and the bottom is 12 meters. The total cost of digging the canal is Rs. 1,14,05,279. Local residents said that in 1981 martyred President Ziaur Rahman came to visit Kalapara of Patuakhali and dug this self-supporting canal. Due to the encroachment, pollution and sedimentation of the canal dug 45 years ago, nearly 5 thousand acres of land in the two unions remained uncultivated due to lack of fresh water during the dry season. Hundreds of poultry and cattle died in the salt water. The farmer would become unemployed. Now the implementation of the mining project has put a smile on the face of the farmer. Upazila project implementation officer. Mokchedul Alam said that Martyr President Ziaur Rahman came to Patuakhali's visit to Kalapara and dug this self-supporting canal. We have implemented re-excavation of 1450 meters of the canal. MP Sir Dew has given letter to excavate the remaining part. Work will be started after allotment.  Mithaganj Union Parishad Chairman Mejbah Uddin Khan Dulal and Union BNP President Md. Monibar Rahman Khandkar said, the people of the area have been demanding the re-digging of this canal for a long time. But in the last 15 years, instead of digging canals, encroachments have taken place.  Patuakhali-4, local member of parliament of Kalapara Constituency Alhaj ABM Mosharraf Hossain MP said,The current government is implementing its election promises to revolutionize agriculture. A few more canals have been proposed to be re-excavated to improve the agricultural system in my constituency.