Panchuria Canal of Gopalganj city, which has a linkage with the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has come back to life after 63 long years.
Panchuria Canal, heading to Tungipara, Bangabandhu's village, was reconnected with Madhumati river on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner Shahida Sultana inaugurated the re-connection of Madhumati river with Panchuria Canal in Panchuria New Market area of the city in the morning.
There was joy and excitement among the local people following the inauguration of the connection work.
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.
Dhaka TribuneWhile 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.
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.
The work linking the canal to the Madhumati River was started on October 1.
Deputy Commissioner Shahida Sultana said that the canal, linked with Bangabandhu's memory, became narrow as there was no water flow following pollution and encroachment.
“We have reconnected the canal with the Madhumati river in the city. Various initiatives have been taken surrounding this canal. It will be a tourist attraction for the city dwellers,” said the DC.
Besides, the district residents can use the canal for various purposes, she added.
