Once upon a time, when the country was heavily dependent on its waterways for communication, the Madhumati River-Panchuria Canal in Gopalganj was a major route due to its navigability and economic significance. The sailing boats, the greenery, and the life of the riverside people were picturesque.
While studying in Missionary School, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lived in his ancestral house in Bankpara area of Gopalganj city. On occasions, he used to travel to and from Tungipara using this canal, as we know from his “Unfinished Memoirs”. He passed his matriculation in 1942.
Until 1959, the Madhumati was connected with the canal, creating a strong current at the confluence. Over the years, the city’s New Market and many other establishments have been erected on and around the spot after the Pakistan government separated the water bodies 63 years ago.
The local authorities feared that the current might sweep away a food warehouse built on the bank of the canal and nearby establishments someday. At the time, roads needed to be built throughout the city. Therefore, in 1959, a dam was placed at the mouth of the canal with the permission of Faridpur Zilla Parishad, eventually cutting it off from the river.
Due to the separation, the canal's water became stagnant and polluted due to the endless dumping of solid and liquid wastes and encroachment. The width of the canal has also shrunk.
The revival plan
On the occasion of Mujib Year 2020, the government took the initiative to resume the route by digging the canal and beautifying the 18-km-long navigable route from Panchuria in Gopalganj city to Bharni Baor in Tungipara. But the project stumbled after 13km of the canal were excavated.
Meanwhile, members of the National River Commission visited the site to assess the reconnection of the city’s Madhumati River with the Panchuria Canal and give its nod. But nothing worked.
Finally, the district administration took a concerted initiative to open the closed mouth of this canal.
This will save the Panchuria Canal from further damage and encroachment. People living on both sides of the canal will be able to enjoy clean air without any bad odour and use the canal water to meet their daily needs. Fishermen will get the scope to earn money.
On October 1, work linking the canal to the Madhumati River started in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Shahida Sultana. A large number of people thronged the banks of the canal at news of the opening of the mouth of the canal. There was joy and excitement in their eyes.
This connection will be established by digging 150 metres through the District Road, and the road between New Market and Wapda Jame Masjid. The Roads and Highways Department will construct a bridge at that place on the District Road.
Sheikh Rakib Hossain, mayor of Gopalganj municipality, said that piles of trash and garbage had collected in the canal due to the separation 63 years ago. “The canal’s width became narrower and has been a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”
The municipality authorities took initiatives to remove the pile of garbage and restore the canal's water flow. “Later, various works will be undertaken for the beautification of this area. It will be a place of recreation for the townspeople,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
DC Shahida Sultana said that the Panchuria Canal, which revives memories of Bangabandhu, had become narrow and polluted due to an absence of the flow of water. After the excavation work is done, various initiatives would be taken around this canal.
She told Dhaka Tribune: “It will be a sight for city dwellers. Besides, residents can use the canal for various purposes.”
Md Faizur Rahman, executive engineer of Water Development Board, said: “We will do the beautification work…will build walkways on both sides of this canal.”
RHD Executive Engineer Mohammad Zahid Hossain said that after the excavation is complete, the RHD will construct a bailey bridge, while the widening of the Tekerhat-Gopalganj-Ghonapara Road is underway.
“Our road will have to be cut off to reconnect the Panchuria Canal with the city’s Madhumati River. We have planned alternate roads and bailey bridges for vehicular movement,” he told Dhaka Tribune.